President Lyndon Johnson Salutes Sir Winston Churchill's Commitment to Zionism

December 11, 1964

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President Lyndon Johnson Salutes Sir Winston Churchill's Commitment to Zionism
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5 pages | SMC 194

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  • Theodor Herzl

    Background

    President Johnson joins the Zionist Organization of America in saluting Sir Winston Churchill, and quotes President Kennedy’s remarks, made when he proclaimed Sir Winston a United States citizen: “We mean to honor him - but his acceptance honors us far more. For no statement or proclamation can enrich his name now - the name, Sir Winston Churchill, is already legend.”

    Johnson adds that the Theodor Herzl Award recognizes the contributions made by Churchill in connection with the establishment of the State of Israel, and calls upon all to rededicate themselves “to the ideals of justice, service to humanity and freedom from tyranny that form the basis for the award.”
    Typed Letter Signed, as president, 1 page, quarto, The White House, Washington, D.C. December 11, 1964. To Dr. Max Nussbaum, President, Zionist Organization of America.

    Accompanied by the elaborate printed Invitation to the Zionist Organization Annual Dinner and Presentation of the Theodor Herzl Award to Sir Winston Churchill (the Hon. Randolph Churchill, accepting) in tribute to Sir Winston’s historic accomplishments as an architect of the Jewish State; December 16, 1964, at the Statler Hilton Hotel in New York City.
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    THE WHITE HOUSE
    WASHINGTON

    December 11, 1964

    Dear Mr. Nussbaum:

    I should like to join the Zionist Organization of America and those attending the dinner in paying tribute to Sir Winston Churchill. He long ago won a secure place in the affections of all his fellow countrymen in the English speaking world.
     
    We are proud of each new honor conferred upon him. But, as President Kennedy said when he proclaimed Sir Winston a United States citizen, “We mean to honor him -- but his acceptance honors us far more.  For no statement or proclamation can enrich his name now -- the name, Sir Winston Churchill, is already legend.”
     
    The Theodor Herzl Award, which Randolph Churchill will receive in behalf of Sir Winston, recognizes the contributions made by him in connection with the establishment of the State of Israel and in encouraging its development. On an occasion such as this, it is appropriate that all of us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of justice, service to humanity and freedom from tyranny that form the basis for the award. Neither party lines nor national boundaries can or should limit our concern for these ideals.
     
    Please extend my best wishes, also, to Randolph Churchill, a distinguished son of a distinguished father.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Lyndon B. Johnson
     
    Dr. Max Nussbaum
    President
    Zionist Organization of America
    145 East 32nd Street
    New York 16, New York

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    Your presence is requested at the
    Presentation Ceremonies of the

    Theodor Herzl Award - Gold Medallion
    to The Right Honorable

    Sir Winston Churchill

    in tribute to his historic accomplishments as an architect
    of the Jewish State and protagonist of Zionism
    at the
    Annual Dinner
    of the 
    Zionist Organization of America
    Wednesday, December 16th, 1964, 6:00pm
    Grand Ballroom, Statler Hilton Hotel
    7th Ave. and 33rd St., New York City

    Guest of Honor:
    Hon. Randolph Churchill
    who will accept the award in behalf of his father

    Couvert: $100. per person

    R.S.V.P.
    Black Tie suggested

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