Mr. Speaker, on November 30, 1874, one of the world's greatest statesmen, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, was born. He was an accomplished officer in the British army but caught the political bug, rising to become democracy's greatest defender in the 20th century. His leadership during World War II saved Britain and the world from Nazi tyranny and preserved the very foundations of the freedoms we enjoy today. Prime minister twice, he was a prolific writer and, in 1953, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his historical writings and speeches. While he faced many physical and mental health challenges, he did so with grace and dignity.
Many books have been written about Sir Winston Churchill, including James B. Conroy's 2023 The Devils Will Get No Rest: FDR, Churchill, and the Plan That Won the War. Churchill's quote “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” has inspired me time and again.
I thank Sir Winston and wish him a happy birthday.