On December 7, 1999 the ESU launched the Margaret Thatcher
Lecture Series at a gala dinner held at the Plaza Hotel in
New York City. Elaborating on the series’ theme “The
Contribution of the English-Speaking People to the World,” Lady
Thatcher herself delivered the inaugural presentation to approximately
330 ESU members and corporate sponsors, and it was clear from
their enthusiastic reception that she retains her power to
captivate and connect with her listeners.
Chairman William R. Miller OBE introduced
Lady Thatcher as “one of the most dynamic and innovative leaders
of this century, a visionary who . . . made a significant,
lasting mark on British society and history.” He also
spoke of her 40-year association with The English-Speaking
Union of the United Sates, dating back to her earliest days
in government when she twice toured the States as a lecturer
in its Speaker Program, and reminded the attendees that Lady
Thatcher was the first recipient of the ESU’s first Founders
Award in 1991. At that time, she was cited for her tireless
work in maintaining and improving the special relationship
between Britain and the United States, her exceptional ability
to articulate the major issues of the day and her eloquence,
determination and vision.
Lady Thatcher continues to share that eloquence with her
audiences. That night, she spoke passionately about the common
values shared by The English-speaking people of the world
and their commitment to what she describes as “the
rule of law . . . that makes all else possible, from the
flowering of the arts to the steady advance of the sciences.
The idea that men must govern themselves not by the arbitrary
commands of a ruler but by their own considered judgment
is the means whereby chaos is replaced by order, violence
by the peaceful resolution of differences, and tyranny by
freedom,” She certainly speaks from personal experience,
having played a defining role in the fall of the Soviet Empire
and its aftermath of trying to create order out of long years
of chaos and tyranny.
The ESU was pleased to have in attendance a table of ESU
scholars representing various programs such as the winner
and runner up of the National Shakespeare Competition, several
participants in the English in Action program, teachers from
the British Universities Summer School program, and students
from the Secondary School Exchange.
The Right Honorable The Baroness Margaret Thatcher, LG, OM, FRS
December 7, 1999
The Plaza Hotel
New York City
Speech
Biography
Event
Highlights
Dinner Chairmen for the Inaugural Margaret Thatcher
Lecture Series
Malcolm Burnett
President and CEO
HSBC Bank USA
Nicholas B. Dunphy
Managing Partner
Canterbury Capital Partners
Charles A. Heimbold, Jr.
Chairman and CEO
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Donald J. Herrema
President and CEO
Bessemer Trust Company, NA
John A Luke, Jr.
Chairman and CEO
Westvaco Corporation
T.J. Maloney
President
Lincolnshire Management, Inc.
William R. and Irene D. Miller
Judith R. Miller
President
The Miller Family Foundation
Lee Raymond
Chairman and CEO
Exxon Corporation
Mark Rossi
Senior Managing Director
Cornerstone Equity Investors, LLC
