Medallion
Category
Coins and medals
Date
Unknown
Materials
Gold
Measurements
37 x 27 x 6 mm
Order this imageCollection
Chartwell, Kent
NT 1101168
Summary
Gold medallion from the Belgian Senate, with a portrait of Minerva and inscription to WSC; the reverse with a figure reading a book of law, 1969. Formerly part of the Heirloom Collection.
Full description
Received in person by Churchill in Brussels on 16 November 1945. He spoke at a joint meeting of the Belgian Senate and Chamber. During his speech he explained why, during the war, when Roosevelt asked him what the war should be called he had replied, ‘The Unnecessary War’. [Gilbert Vol. VIII p.171] He spoke damningly of European and American appeasement and declared “let us profit at least by this terrible lesson…in vain did I attempt to teach it before the war”. His speech ended with a plea for a “United States of Europe” which would “unify this Continent in a manner never known since the fall of the Roman Empire, and within which all its peoples may dwell together in prosperity, in justice, and in peace.” He made a similar plea in French during his acceptance speech for the Freedom of Brussels. The speech drafts were prepared by the Embassy staff. Presented by the Belgian Chamber of Representatives (coat-of-arms a crowned lion rampant) and is part of his important November 1945 visit to Brussels when he called for a United States of Europe. The Churchill Archive contains: Speech notes (in English and French) for WSC's speech (16 November, Joint meeting of the Senate and Chamber, Brussels) entitled "The future of Europe" in which he discusses the Second World War and democracy. Source material includes a copy of the speech by Robert Gillon, President of the Senate, introducing WSC. Published: Complete Speeches VII, pp 7251-3. This relates to a major post-War visit to Belgium in November 1945. The Churchill Archive contains Speech notes (in English and French) for Churchill's speech (16 November, Joint meeting of the Senate and Chamber, Brussels) entitled "The future of Europe" in which he discusses the Second World War and democracy. Source material includes a copy of the speech by Robert Gillon, President of the Senate, introducing Churchill. Published: Complete Speeches VII, pp 7251-3. Associated with the Brussels town hall plaque inscribed Liberation of Brussels (1101023; M200).
Marks and inscriptions
inscription to WSC