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.