Great Britain: Requiem for Greatness

Typically, with his incomparable sense of history and theater, Winston Churchill years ago had issued directions for his own funeral. He insisted:

"I want lots of soldiers and bands." As the solemn leavetaking was acted out last week, a great drama and a great work of art in every ceremonial detail, Sir Winston had everything he desired—and more.

Dawn broke cold and grey. Calm in its majesty beside the Thames, the palace of Westminster emerged from the drifting mist. Across the river stood the starkly modern outline of Festival Hall, its garden windows...