November 26, 2019

Jennie Churchill’s remarks from the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s presentation of commemorative coins to Second World War veterans

13 November 2019

Good evening and thank you, Allen,

It really is a great honour for us all to be gathered here this evening

In the magnificent Great Hall of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

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A place that has for three centuries

Provided accommodation, friendship

And the highest standards of care to veterans of the British Army.

It is such an important part of our national heritage and

We owe it a huge debt of gratitude

As well as, to the great men and women

That have served our nation so proudly.

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Tonight, we especially honour the 45 veterans of World War 2

And the memory of those that did not return but gave their all

So that we have our tomorrows – In a free and democratic society.

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In those dark days of May 1940,

My great grandfather was called upon to boldly lead this nation,

To provide motivation, inspiration and the articulation of a common cause

For the men and women that fought to keep alive

The flickering candle of liberty and democracy in Europe.

What an example that generation gave us all and

We are so grateful to have some of these wonderful, veterans here with us this evening.

We must never forget those who risked and sacrificed their lives for our liberty.

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Earlier this evening, it was my honour to present Silver ICS Commemorative Coins

To many of the Chelsea Pensioner veterans of World War 2.

These coins were designed and hand produced by seasoned British silversmith Christopher Hamilton who is here tonight

And are all individually engraved with the names of each one of the recipients.

Sadly, and for various reasons, some were not able to be there in person,

So, I would now like to ask

Regimental Sergeant Major Ross Martin of the Royal Hospital

To come up and accept an ICS Commemorative Coin

On behalf of those Chelsea Pensioner veterans unable to be there today

And to make sure that they all receive their Commemorative coins

At an appropriate time for them.

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Thank you, Ross,

So finally, it is also my profound honour this evening

To present the International Churchill Society’s

Annual Winston S. Churchill leadership award

To the Royal Hospital Chelsea

And I will ask Sir Adrian to accept this award on behalf of his team that

Do so much every day to make so many lives well lived.

Sir Adrian….