Technically, Prime Minister Cameron's trip to the United States is an
official visit -- not a state visit. State visits are reserved for the
head of state, and in the case of the United Kingdom, that means the
Queen. But last night, the Prime Minister and his wife Samantha Cameron
were honored with a State Dinner all the same.
They were joined by dignitaries from both countries -- including Warren
and Susan Buffet, Sir Jony Ive (the Apple designer), Hugh Bonnerville
(the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey), and George Clooney.
Before raising his glass for a toast, President Obama spoke again on the
nature of the values our two countries share:
In
war and in peace, in times of plenty and times of hardship, we stand
tall and proud and strong, together. And as free peoples committed to
the dignity of all human beings, we will never apologize for our way of
life, nor waver in its defense.
It’s why David’s grandfather fought alongside us Yanks after D-Day; why
my grandfather marched across Europe in Patton’s army. It’s why tonight,
at dusty bases in Afghanistan, both American and British soldiers are
getting ready to go on patrol, like generations before them, shoulder to
shoulder. It’s why our diplomats and development workers are side by
side, standing with the activists who dare to demand their rights, save
a child from drought or famine.
