SPRING 2006 • NUMBER 130 - Winston Churchill

that he was the first American President to visit Ottawa.Lady Soames provided personal glimpses of her father,and his many touching gestures, such as insisting in1943 that she see Niagara Falls, in spite of the 600 milesdistance that had to be covered by train.Regarding Clementine Churchill her daughterremarked: “My mother’s career was my father.” We wereinformed that Clementine and Eleanor genuinely likedeach other, although the First Lady couldn’t appreciateClementine’s more delicate constitution. They broadcasttogether from Quebec City, with Eleanor stating that“the record of Canada in the war is a glorious one.”The Saturday luncheon was moderated by GordonWalker who introduced recently appointed CanadianSenator Hugh Segal, who gave self deprecating commentson his previous stance against a non-elected senate!Hugh then provided his deep knowledgeof Churchill with well chosen commentson the lessons we should continueto appreciate.The afternoon was another highlightwith a trip in beautiful sunny weather toThe Citadel, Quebec residence of theGovernor-General of Canada, whereChurchill and Roosevelt stayed and met during bothwartime conferences. An official reception began with arepresentative of the Governor-General reading out awarm greeting from Her Excellency; followed by LadySoames who spoke of the deep feelings she experiencedin again being at the Citadel, where she served as herfather’s aide-de-camp during the 1943 conference.Ample time was available for touring the impressivebuilding, viewing the exhibits, including plaques summarizingthe wartime conferences, and in the taking ofphotographs by the official photographer. The delegateswere given a copy of the actual menu enjoyed by theLeaders on 11 September 1944.At the evening dinner Churchill Centre Vice-President Charles Platt introduced Solveig Barber. whoserenaded the diners with wartime songs, which she hadrecorded on a CD, with proceeds, tothe conference, and which proved to bea hot seller.Sunday at brunch, Randy Barberintroduced himself as “the husband ofthe singer,” and thanked the conferenceplanning committee, and Dan Myersand Karen Linebarger of the Centrestaff in Washington, for their work in making the conferencesuch a success. Randy then introducedChristopher Hebb, who spoke of the plans for the 2007conference in Vancouver, which will center on thePacific war.The last but not least matter was the introductionof Philip and Susan Larson, who are co-chairing the2006 conference in Chicago. They outlined their excitingprogram, its theme being “Churchill in the Land ofLincoln.” Among the many events will be a reenactmentof Churchill’s 1932 speech on Anglo-American Unity bySir Martin Gilbert at the original premises, the UnionLeague of Chicago.So the conference concluded. Can we pick onehighlight? I think so. Our Patron, Lady Soames, whosepresence, enthusiasm and participation in all aspects wasso very deeply appreciated. As one delegate remarked,“You can read all the books you want by learned authorson Churchill, but here we had someone who providedfirsthand knowledge—and that was unforgettable!” ,CHATEAU FRONTENAC, right, was the exquisite setting for amemorable event; historical reminders were everywhere.PHOTOS ABOVE: Sen. Hugh Segal and Solveig Barber.FINEST HOUR 130 / 21