A man of action, born in Oxfordshire, England on this day, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (1874-1965), was the leader of Great Britain during the Second World War and a master orator and strategist.

"I am easily satisfied with the best," he said.

His life was a metaphor for excellence as he overcame a serious childhood stutter to become one of his century's greatest orators. He was a noted writer as well, awarded the 1953 Nobel Prize for Literature. He inspired millions.

"I may not be the lion," Churchill proclaimed, "but it was left to me to give the lion’s roar." President John Kennedy described how Churchill skillfully "mobilized the English language and sent it into battle."

Churchill recommended a hard-line policy toward Nazi Germany in the 1930s. In May 1940, he became Prime Minister. Churchill led with imagination and boldness. "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat," he committed in his gravely voice to the House of Commons. The powerful leader held his country together against Hitler's "monster of wickedness."

"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never in nothing, great or small, large or petty never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense," Churchill confidently said, a tribute to determination and the human spirit.

Whether clenching his signature cigar between his teeth or holding his hand upright in a "V" for Victory sign, Churchill inspired his people to withstand the air raids and military defeats, to carry on through their finest hour of fortitude and victory.

More Winston CHUCHILL Quotations

Keep moving. Keep striving. Keep going.