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Two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited the White House to plot the saving of Western civilization with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt, often annoyed at FDR's absentmindedness when it came to reminding her of impending visits, was caught thoroughly off guard, as Churchill's visit was kept secret until his arrival. Under heightened wartime security, the leaders spent many hours each day planning the direction of the war effort and developed a mutual respect for one another. Although Eleanor Roosevelt's respect may not have been as high, as she was rather annoyed at Churchill's habit of strolling around private areas of the home with a seemingly constant supply of scotch, brandy, and cigars. As it was Christmas time, Roosevelt placed a Christmas tree on the South Lawn of the White House. Both leaders greeted the nation and the world from the South Portico of the White House during the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree on December 24, 1941. "In these war times," Churchill said, "I spend this anniversary and festival far from my country, far from my family, and yet I can not truthfully say that I feel far from home. ... Here in the midst of war raging and roaring over all the lands and seas, creeping nearer to our hearths and homes; here amid all these tumults, we have tonight the peace of the spirit in each cottage and home in every generous heart." Churchill also ceremonially added an ornament to the Christmas tree. |
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