In the wake of the al-Qaida bombings in Madrid, the comprehensive war against global terrorism by democratic nations seemed in jeopardy. This was not Europe's first experience with appeasement. Italy's Corriere della Sera warned: "The spirit of Munich is again blowing across Europe."
On June 7, 2005, in the heart of London, the worst strike of terror on British soil since World War II shattered a summer morning. Within hours, the resolve of the British people was evident. A phrase used countless times during the blitz of six decades before was heard again: "London can take it!"
Dazed and bloodied Britons who survived blasts on three London subway trains and one double-decker bus seemed to speak with a single voice: "If that's all they can do to us, we will make it!" The British nation took it in stride and carried on: "We won't give in to terror - no matter the cost!" The world again witnessed the spirit of Churchill.
Because the long tradition of democracy runs deep in the history and psyche of Great Britain, the question becomes: Does Britain have the spirit of Churchill or did Churchill have the spirit of Britain? At the celebration of Churchill's 80th birthday, this question was posed.
In characteristic wit and wisdom, the lion of England aptly replied: "It was the nation who had the lion's heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar."
Churchill forged for his nation and the Western world the understanding of why we fight. He lived in view of his mortality. In time of terror, his indomitable spirit lives on in immortality.
As the civilized world stands once more against a hateful enemy, freedom-loving men and women have need of principled leaders and steady statesmen. As never before, statesmen of strong fiber are not only essential, they are indispensable if the cause of peace, freedom and civilization is to prevail.
The Free World has a choice either to learn or not learn the lessons of history. Each choice comes with consequences. In the days and years to come, the world will choose the spirit of Munich or the spirit of Churchill. Let's make sure the spirit of Churchill prevails.