From 27th International Churchill Conference 2011

Judy Kambestad

See all of the photos from the 27th International Churchill Conference here.

It seems to me that The Churchill Centre's mission, and that of the Simon Wiesenthal Center are so very similar and that together we must strive to ensure the horrors of the twentieth century are not only never repeated but, perhaps more importantly, the lessons learned from that traumatic and bloody century can guide us all not to repeat past tragic mistakes. Millions of the dead surely demand that of us?

Churchill was an unabashed supporter of the rights and destiny of the Jewish people, often to his personal detriment. Anti-Semitism, or perhaps, more correctly stated, Anti-Jewish sentiment, was rife throughout all too many levels of UK society and throughout the corridors of governmental power. Churchill certainly paid a political and popularity price for his support of Jews. However, from his support of the Balfour Declaration to the Foundation of the State of Israel, he never wavered in his beliefs.

The volatile, fragile and all too often terrifying times we live in today are sadly and all too real a mirror of those horrific years when Winston Churchill's boldness, courage and clarion call were for so many the sole beacon shining brightly as the lights of freedom were rapidly being extinguished throughout Europe. All in the name of perverted causes, ever evil totalitarianism and the inevitable, and always so glibly rationalized, accompanying genocide.

Kenneth Childs, a Columbia lawyer who is co-chairing the conference, said the meeting is being held here not simply because Charleston is an attractive city with several good places to eat.

One of Churchill's best American friends was the Wall Street financier and statesman Bernard Baruch, who resided part time at Hobcaw Barony, a plantation property outside Georgetown.

Churchill visited Baruch's coastal home once, and Churchill also visited Camp Jackson -- now known as Fort Jackson -- outside Columbia at the beginning of World War II, Childs said.

There he witnessed a large-scale paratrooper exercise. "I had never seen 1,000 men leap into the air at once," Churchill later recalled.

Childs, a self-described history buff, said he admired Churchill's influential roles in leading Britain not simply in World War II but also World War I. Churchill was Prime Minister of Britain from 1940-1945, and is credited with rallying his nation early in the war while his nation stood alone against the Nazis. He also served again as Prime Minister from 1951-55.

"The most important thing to emphasize is this is just not an organization focused on one individual who has been dead for 45 years," Childs said. "It's an organization that's interested in international affairs, politics and statesmanship. Churchill was a remarkable statesman."

The conference is entitled "Churchill in the News," partly because it will feature rarely seen Movietone footage of Churchill's life and times -- footage that is part of the University of South Carolina's collection.

Judy Kambestad of California is coordinating the 27th International Churchill conference and expects 200 to 250 to attend, including MSNBC anchor and political commentator Chris Matthews.

Like Childs, Kambestad said she got involved with the Churchill Centre, a nonprofit organizing the conference, because of her admiration for Churchill.

"He was the one who basically defeated Hitler. I think most people realize that, but they don't know much else about him," she said.

Churchill was more than a politician but also an accomplished journalist and painter. He also was among the 20th centuries most quotable leaders.

"When 9/11 happened, we have a hotline and we were flooded with requests for Churchill quotes," Kambestad said. "Even the president called and wanted some Churchill quotes."

While Churchill lost power shortly after World War II, he gave a highly influential speech in which he warned an "iron curtain" had descended across Europe -- an early description of the tension that would become known as the Cold War. When he died in 1965, the Queen of England granted him a state funeral.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771.

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"Happy are the painters for they shall not be lonely. Light and colour.....will keep them company to the end, or almost to the end, of the day." -Winston Churchill, 1921 December. ("Painting as a Pastime", Strand Magazine; Thoughts, 220-21.)