Never Give Up

Sir Winston Churchill took three years getting through eighth grade because he
had trouble learning English. It seems ironic that years later Oxford University
asked him to address its commencement exercises.

He arrived with his usual props. A cigar, a cane and a top hat accompanied
Churchill wherever he went. As Churchill approached the podium, the crowd rose
in appreciative applause. With unmatched dignity, he settled the crowd and stood
confident before his admirers. Removing the cigar and carefully placing the top
hat on the podium, Churchill gazed at his waiting audience. Authority rang in
Churchill's voice as he shouted, "Never give up!"

Several seconds passed before he rose to his toes and repeated: "Never give up!"
His words thundered in their ears. There was a deafening silence as Churchill
reached for his hat and cigar, steadied himself with his cane and left the
platform. His commencement address was finished.