He suffered a stroke on 24 January 1965 and died, aged 90. In 1963, the US Congress conferred on him honorary American citizenship. He spent much of his retirement painting and writing The History of the English-Speaking People. Sir Winston was to resign as prime minister less than a year later, on 5 April 1955, due to his increasing ill-health. Among the presents arriving at Number 10 Downing Street were a floral arrangement in the shape of a cigar, sent from Israel, and a sixpenny postal order - the pocket money of a boy from Hereford. Tributes and birthday gifts have been pouring in from all over the world. ![]() However that may be, whatever may befall, I am sure I shall never forget the emotions of this day." "I hope I still have some service to render. "I am now nearing the end of my journey," he said. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar."įinally, he acknowledged that age was inevitably drawing his 54 years in politics to a close. ![]() "It was the nation and the race dwelling all round the globe that had the lion's heart. "Their will was resolute and remorseless, and as it proved unconquerable. "I have never accepted what many people have kindly said - namely, that I inspired the nation," he told them. In his speech of thanks, Sir Winston referred to the period in his career for which he is most revered - his leadership through the dark years of the Second World War. The Father of the House, David Grenfell, then presented him with an illuminated book signed by almost every member of parliament. Then blue hangings were drawn back from a new portrait of Sir Winston by the artist Graham Sutherland, a gift from both Houses to the prime minister. He paid tribute to his formidable opponent, calling him "the last of the great orators who can touch the heights." " It was the nation and the race dwelling all round the globe that had the lion's heart: I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar"Īs Sir Winston and Lady Churchill appeared through St Stephen's entrance, a drummer beat out a "V" in morse code - a tribute to the victory salute which became the prime minister's trademark.Īs the cheers died down, the Leader of the Opposition, Clement Attlee, gave the first speech. ![]() The festivities began at midday, with a presentation of gifts from both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall.Īn audience of 2,500, including cabinet ministers and opposition leaders, filled the hall for the televised ceremony. The Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, has been celebrating his 80th birthday in a day of ceremonies and tributes to his remarkable career. VIDEO : Winston Churchill: "Most memorable public occasion of my life" BBC ON THIS DAY | 30 | 1954: Winston Churchill turns 80 ON THIS DAY 30 November Graphics version > BBC News >
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