This past weekend I had the privilege of gathering with friends, scholars, and leaders at America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri — the very place where Sir Winston Churchill delivered his historic “Sinews of Peace” address eighty years ago.
Standing in that place always brings history into sharp focus. Churchill’s words in 1946 were not merely commentary on the geopolitical tensions of his time; they were a call for courage, clarity, and cooperation among free nations. Eight decades later, that message still resonates.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the opportunity to discuss the enduring importance of the transatlantic relationship with Governor of Missouri,Mike Kehoe, and US Representative Bob Onder. Conversations like these reinforce the idea that Missouri—sitting at the geographic heart of the United States—continues to play a meaningful role in strengthening ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
It was also wonderful to reconnect with The Honorable Duncan Sandys, great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. Standing together in the place where Churchill spoke to the world is a powerful reminder that his legacy is not frozen in the past; it continues to shape conversations about leadership and liberty today. And to spend some time with Representative Travis Wilson, Chair of the Friends of the UK Caucus in Missouri, State Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Jim Schulte.
We were also honored by the presence of His Majesty’s Consul General to the Midwest, Mr. Richard Hyde, who attended the commemorations and accepted recognition on behalf of Sir Christian Turner KCMG, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States, as a Churchill Fellow. The fellowship recognizes individuals whose work reflects the leadership, courage, and commitment to freedom exemplified by Churchill himself.
I am deeply honored to count myself among the community of Churchill Fellows as well. It is a distinguished group that has included remarkable individuals such as Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States; Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; and President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics—leaders who, like Churchill, understood that the defense of liberty requires both resolve and cooperation among nations.
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary stewardship of Dr. Timothy Riley, Director and Curator of the America’s National Churchill Museum, and his dedicated team. Through their work, the museum remains not only a guardian of history but also a forum for contemporary dialogue about democracy, leadership, and international partnership.
The timing of this gathering is also fitting as we celebrate Commonwealth Day today, celebrated across the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth represents a family of nations connected by shared values, democratic institutions, and a commitment to cooperation and opportunity.
His Majesty King Charles III stated today that today is “a time of great challenge and great possibility. Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict…Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed…Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good…united in friendship and in the service of its people.”
In many ways, Churchill’s vision expressed in Fulton anticipated this spirit. His call for unity among nations that cherish freedom and the rule of law echoes strongly in the work of the Commonwealth today.
As someone privileged to help strengthen ties between Missouri and the United Kingdom, weekends like this serve as a reminder that Churchill’s message is not simply history—it is guidance.
Eighty years after Churchill stood in Fulton and addressed the world, his words still challenge us to think clearly, act boldly, and work together in defense of freedom.
And here in the heart of Missouri, that conversation continues.
