There is no doubting the significance of the event we are gathered here to celebrate-the 50th anniversary of Winston Churchill`s appointment as prime minister and the formation of the national government. . . .
We can see now quite clearly that it was an event of overwhelming importance in the history of Britain. Without it, none of the trials of the early years of the war could have been endured, none of the final triumphs achieved, for it brought to the leadership of our nation, of the empire and of all peoples then fighting against Hitler`s oppression, a man of vision, a man of indomitable spirit and above all a man capable of inspiring others to feats of great heroism and courage. . . .
But like so many important events, Winston`s arrival as prime minister was not fully appreciated at the time. Although his popularity in the country was undoubted, there were many in positions of influence who doubted whether he was the right man for the job. . . . Why did some doubt that he was the man for the hour? Winston`s offense was that he had told the truth, the truth about the nature of the threat facing us and of the need to keep our defenses sure.
He held to his conviction that only strength deters aggression. His 10 years in the political wilderness had illustrated that it is better to be right and alone than part of the crowd but wrong.
