Dear Lee, Thank you for your response. On reflection I suspect that the Centre may have been directly involved in the choice of Roger Daltrey. Consequently If I ruffled any feathers or caused offence, I apologise. I was simply speaking honestly -- and, certainly, wearing my British rather than Canadian hat, I do know that this choice will be surprising to many in the Old World. But it's not our ceremony so we (and I) have no business sticking our nose in.
I commented instinctively (and rather in the heat of the moment) because this is a subject about which I am very passionate. Over the years I have been actively involved in several statue projects and unveiling ceremonies both in the UK and Canada (indeed I am just starting on another one). Having briefly pondered on it, however, I think I do recall seeing modern/popular singers performing at major US ceremonies (certainly I am now suddenly reminded of such being the case at the last presidential inauguration). So the choice is probably wholly appropriate within an American context. I believe the mutual exchange of statues and memorials are extremely important both symbolically and diplomatically. I am a huge admirer of the London statues of Washington, Reagan (I was present at the unveiling), FDR, Eisenhower and Lincoln and, inspired partly because I live around the corner from the house in which JP Morgan and JFK both lived, I recently submitted a book proposal for a book which will include an appendix of American and Canadian memorials and statues in London. I hope, therefore, that you will appreciate the seriousness, enthusiasm and sincerity with which I approach this subject. Personally, I am very excited about the unveiling of the bust -- I was the first person to comment on the website of Speaker Boehner to offer my congratulations on the excellent teaser video (which has a perfectly pitched musical score). It is because everything else about the ceremony seems so perfect (for instance I'm absolutely delighted to learn that the Battle Hym of the Republic will be sung) that the choice of Daltrey struck me as odd. But, upon reflection, this would appear to be due to cultural differences and so I should be more tolerant. We are clearly two nations divided by slightly more than a common language (to garble either Oscar Wilde or GBS -- I believe opinion remains divided on the attribution). At any rate, I am greatly looking forward to watching over the Internet, no doubt with a tear in my eye -- and, although my doubts remain, I shall view Daltrey's contribution with an open mind. One thing is clear: the event is certain to be a huge success and hearty congratulations are due to all involved in making this happen. With sincere good wishes, Rafe Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [ChurchillChat] Bust Ceremony "Teaser" video released by Speaker's Office Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 21:54:28 -0500 Dear Rafe: Thank you for your comments. I am sorry that you are disappointed in one aspect of this historic ceremony, which in its entirety has required a great amount of effort by numerous people in the U.S. and U.K. (including The Churchill Centre and Churchill family) to organize. (And I think you meant to say “confidently” in your message rather than “confidentially”….) I agree that we shouldn’t speculate what historical figures might think today but Winston Churchill did enjoy popular music - so who knows if he had been born in 1974 instead of 1874, what he might have liked. Your analogy to Elton John and Ronald Reagan is perhaps mistaken as Sir Elton is British, so if anything, it would have been an American entertainer. And Reagan loved popular music as well…..the Reagan Presidential Foundation recently held a “Reagan and Elvis” event and when Pressley died, the President said: “He epitomized America, and for that we shall be eternally grateful. Let’s all rejoice in his music.” And at our suggestion, the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is being sung by the Army Choir at the Ceremony and it will indeed be glorious. Please know that the announcement of Mr. Daltrey’s participation has been well received by Churchillians around the world and adds a desirable element of publicity and popular interest to the event. I’m sorry that it was not possible to invite every Churchillian to this Ceremony but hope that you will watch it live at www.speaker.gov/live at 11 AM EDT on Wednesday. Thank you. Lee Lee PollockExecutive DirectorThe Churchill Centre From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rafe Heydel-Mankoo Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2013 9:01 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [ChurchillChat] Bust Ceremony "Teaser" video released by Speaker's Office I know that we are not supposed to speculate about how historical figures might react to the issues of today. However, I think I can say quite confidentially that Sir Winston Churchill would not have opted for Roger Daltry of The Who to perform at the solemn and distinguished unveiling of his bust at the Capitol Building next week. Hat's off to Senator Boehner for his stirring tribute to Sir Winston and the great video he put out...but...really? To say ""What better way to celebrate Winston Churchill's friendship to the United States than to have one of Britain's most legendary recording artists perform in the halls of the Capitol," Boehner said in the release. "Roger's performance is sure to guarantee that the Churchill bust receives the first-class welcome it deserves." strikes me as rather odd. Only in America! I can't imagine Elton John singing at the unveiling of Reagan's statue in London. A choir singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic would have been glorious. Suddenly I'm not *quite* so envious of not being at the unveiling.http://www.politico.com/blogs/click/2013/10/who-frontman-heads-to-the-hill-175874.html RHM Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 10:38:40 -0700 From: [email protected] Subject: [ChurchillChat] Bust Ceremony "Teaser" video released by Speaker's Office To: [email protected] Colleagues, Please see link released today by the office of the Speaker of the House in regards to next week's dedication ceremony of the Churchill bust in Statuary Hall: http://www.speaker.gov/video/churchill-ceremony-teaser-released Regards, David -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ChurchillChat" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/churchillchat. 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