Cameron and Obama cook burgers for UK and US servicemen at No10

Blackleaf

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Oct 9, 2004
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David Cameron and Barack Obama today served hotdogs and burgers to service personnel in the 10 Downing Street garden.

The UK and US leaders and their wives Samantha and Michelle served food to 150 UK and US service personnel.

The menu appeared to reflect the strong transatlantic bond the two countries have insisted upon so firmly, featuring both British and American dishes.

British sausages, Kentish rosemary lamb chops and hot Jersey Royal potatoes were served with American staples such as hamburgers, corn on the cob and coleslaw.

There was also a tomato, mozzarella and basil salad and Caesar salad, followed by a dessert of summer berries and vanilla ice-cream.

The bilateral partnership was further symbolised by the interspersed Union flag and Stars and Stripes bunting draped overhead.

Today was the second full day of Obama's state visit to the UK, only the second by a US President. The President should have arrived yesterday but actually arrived on Monday night from Ireland due to the disruptions to flights caused by the erupting Icelandic volcano.

Following the barbecue, Obama and Cameron gave a joint press conference in which the Prime Minister said Taliban must make a 'decisive split' with al Qaida if a political settlement in Afghanistan is to be brokered.

Speaking outside Lancaster House in London, Mr Cameron said the U.S. operation against Osama bin Laden represented a 'strike right at the heart of international terrorism'.

Mr Cameron said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan, while British and American troops had 'broken the momentum of the insurgency' in the country.

Yesterday, after being greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, the president and first lady met newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - performing their first Royal engagement together since their April 29th wedding - before Mr Obama laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

Mr Obama and Mr Cameron then dropped in on a south London school where they took off their jackets to play two schoolboys at table tennis.

But the Anglo-American team took a sound beating at the hands of 16-year-olds Jason Do and Jamiyu Mojaji at the Globe Academy in Southwark.

Mr and Mrs Obama then attended a star-studded state banquet in the president's honour at Buckingham Palace last night as the Queen hailed the US as Britain's 'most important ally'.

'I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that when the United States and the United Kingdom stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and more prosperous,' the Queen said.

Responding with his own toast, Mr Obama spoke of the 'rock-solid foundation' between the two countries.

This afternoon, Obama addressed the House of Commons in the beautiful Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster - which is home to the two Houses of Parliament - which was built by William the Conqueror's son. The rest of the Palace of Westminster dates only from the Victorian Era after the previous Palace was destroyed by fire in 1834.



They also serve who only stand and wait: President and PM dish up burgers at 'Obama-Q' honouring American and British veterans


By Daily Mail Reporter
25th May 2011
Daily Mail








  • Taliban must make 'decisive split' with al Qaida, says Cameron in joint press conference with Obama after garden party
Forget table tennis - this is the ultimate photo opportunity for Barack Obama and David Cameron.
The UK and U.S. leaders forged a special culinary relationship today as they manned the grill at a barbecue in honour of servicemen in the garden at No. 10.

It was a moment of fun after this morning's in-depth talks on issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform.


Barack Obama and David Cameron serve food from a barbecue as they entertain British and American service members and veterans at 10 Downing Street today


Obama and Cameron diligently serve a burger to a soldier wounded in service during the garden party


U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, serve food at the barbecue for British and American service members and veterans

The pair gamely served the cooked meat at the lunch party while their wives, Samantha and Michelle, spooned side dishes onto the plates of 150 American and British service members.

'THEY ALSO SERVE WHO ONLY STAND AND WAIT'

The well-known quote 'They also serve who only stand and wait' is taken from John Milton's Sonnet XIX: When I Consider How my Light is Spent (published in full below).

The poem, believed to have been written around 1655, is about the English poet's thoughts on his blindness.

Milton's reference to light is a literal one since he had lost his eyesight completely when he composed the piece.

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,

And that one talent which is death to hide

Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest he returning chide,

'Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?'

I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies: 'God doth not need

Either man's work or his own gifts: who best

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed

And post o'er land and ocean without rest:

They also serve who only stand and wait.'

The Prime Minister and the President appeared at ease as they performed their catering duties in shirt sleeves, chatting and laughing while they worked.

Even the menu appeared to reflect the strong transatlantic bond the two countries have insisted upon so firmly, featuring both British and American dishes.

British sausages, Kentish rosemary lamb chops and hot Jersey Royal potatoes were served with American staples such as hamburgers, corn on the cob and coleslaw.

There was also a tomato, mozzarella and basil salad and Caesar salad, followed by a dessert of summer berries and vanilla ice-cream.

The bilateral partnership was further symbolised by the interspersed Union flag and Stars and Stripes bunting draped overhead.


Close allies: Servicemen and their partners arrive at the Downing Street garden party, which was attended by 150 American and British military personnel


The Prime Minister, left, and the President appeared at ease as they entertained military personnel in shirt sleeves

Both leaders worked together to pile food on to one wounded soldier's plate, as other guests queued at the food-laden tables.

Following the barbecue, Obama and Cameron gave a joint press conference in which the Prime Minister said Taliban must make a 'decisive split' with al Qaida if a political settlement in Afghanistan is to be brokered.

Speaking outside Lancaster House in London, Mr Cameron said the U.S. operation against Osama bin Laden represented a 'strike right at the heart of international terrorism'.

Mr Cameron said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan, while British and American troops had 'broken the momentum of the insurgency' in the country.


Mr Obama speaks during a joint press conference with David Cameron at Lancaster House today. The Prime Minister said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan

In the Taliban heartland of Kandahar and central Helmand, the insurgents were 'on the back foot', the Prime Minister said.

Calling for a political settlement, he told the press conference: 'Now is the moment to step up our efforts to reach a political settlement.'

Obama arrived at Downing Street before 10am this morning for discussions with Cameron as he got down to the real political business of his state visit.


Obama and Cameron, right, were joined by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, left, for today's talks at Downing Street. Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said to the U.S. leader: 'You've brought the sun today'


Mr Obama shares a joke with Nick Clegg at 10 Downing Street. Shaking hands with the DPM, the U.S. leader said: 'Wonderful to see you'

During the talks, the U.S. President insisted the alliance between America and the UK is key to providing global security after a 'difficult decade'.

Nick Clegg proved that three isn't always a crowd as he joined the leaders and was seen sharing a joke with the President.

Mr Obama was smiling broadly after making the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace.

The leaders greeted each other with a handshake before Mr Obama patted the Prime Minister on the shoulder.

They then shook hands again on the steps of No. 10 but they were not joined by Mr Cameron's wife Samantha and Michelle Obama.

Both men waved to the army of press photographers gathered on the opposite pavement before walking inside, Mr Obama placing his hand on Mr Cameron's back as they did so.

Helicopters whirred overhead, taking part in the major security operation to protect the President during his visit.

Mr Obama and Mr Cameron are to spend the morning holding talks before a joint press conference in Downing Street which is bound to be studied intently for clues to the strength of their 'special relationship'.

The highlight of the day is likely to be Mr Obama's keynote speech in the historic venue of Westminster Hall this afternoon.


Obama smiles before today's meeting with Cameron. The U.S. President and the Prime Minister are to spend the morning holding talks before a joint press conference in Downing Street


Commander-in-chief: Barack Obama takes a seat across from David Cameron (second left) in the Cabinet Room for today's talks on security with other Government ministers, advisers and officials


Barack Obama is greeted by the Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street this morning. The pair are discussing issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform


He is expected to tell MPs and peers that even though the world has changed significantly since the Second World War, the UK-US relationship and the broader transatlantic alliance is still the 'cornerstone of global security'.

The 'Arab Spring' in the Middle East and North Africa reinforce that the allies' shared beliefs are 'not just relevant but essential', he is to say.

The president will also strike an optimistic note by claiming that the world is 'turning a corner' following a 'difficult decade'.

As well as operations winding down in Iraq, the shift to Afghanistan taking control of its own security has begun, and al Qaida has been 'weakened' by successes such as the recent killing of Osama bin Laden.

Yesterday, large parts of central London were brought to a standstill as crowds gathered to welcome the president for his first state visit.


Obama and Cameron wave to members of the media outside the Prime Minister's official residence, prior to their meeting


Mr Obama made the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace


Police marksmen take position on rooftops along Whitehall as the Presidential motorcade arrives at Downing Street this morning. Helicopters were seen whirring overhead, as part of the major security operation

After being greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, the president and first lady met newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before Mr Obama laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

Mr Obama and Mr Cameron then dropped in on a south London school where they took off their jackets to play two schoolboys at table tennis.

But the Anglo-American team took a sound beating at the hands of 16-year-olds Jason Do and Jamiyu Mojaji at the Globe Academy in Southwark.

Mr and Mrs Obama then attended a star-studded state banquet in the president's honour at Buckingham Palace last night as the Queen hailed the US as Britain's 'most important ally'.


Cameron and Obama pose for the army of press photographers gathered outside 10 Downing Street


U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton walks with British Foreign Secretary William Hague to join Obama at 10 Downing Street


The smartly dressed driver of the President's vehicle brushes down its shiny exterior as she waits for him outside the Prime Minister's residence

She insisted the relationship was 'tried, tested and, yes, special' and the two nations together contributed to security and prosperity of the world.

'I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that when the United States and the United Kingdom stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and more prosperous,' the Queen said.

Responding with his own toast, Mr Obama spoke of the 'rock-solid foundation' between the two countries.


Mr Obama's motorcade travels along the Mall as it leaves Buckingham Palace to go to Downing Street this morning


'From that day to this, you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here,' the president said.

'As we confront the challenges of the 21st century together we have can confidence in the partnership our two countries share, based on a rock-solid foundation built during Queen Elizabeth's lifetime of extraordinary service to her nation and to the world.'

Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat down for talks in the White Room of No 10 shortly before 10am this morning.


'Okay. Enough about Ryan Giggs. What's the latest on Arnold Schwarzenegger?'

As about a dozen photographers took pictures at the start of the meeting, the president joked: 'All right guys, one of those must have worked.'

Foreign Secretary William Hague and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton followed the two leaders into Number 10 half an hour later.

Mrs Clinton waved briefly and smiled as she entered.


Michelle Obama, the wife of the U.S. President, and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, pose with their husbands on the steps of 10 Downing Street yesterday


Heir to the Throne on the way?: The Obamas meet the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace yesterday. It was the young couple's first Royal engagement since their recent marriage and rumours are swirling around that Catherine is pregnant

Earlier, the smartly dressed driver of the president's vehicle brushed down its shiny exterior as she waited for him outside the Prime Minister's residence.

Mr Obama and Mr Cameron were joined by Nick Clegg at about 10.15am.

Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the US leader said: 'Wonderful to see you.'

Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said: 'You've brought the sun today.'

At about 10.40am, the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister moved to the Cabinet Room for talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials.

Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat opposite each other in the centre of the coffin-shaped Cabinet table, the Prime Minister flanked by Mr Clegg and Mr Hague, and the President by Mrs Clinton and the U.S. Ambassador to London, Louis Susman.

Other British ministers attending included Chancellor George Osborne and Home Secretary Theresa May.

dailymail.co.uk
 
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petros

The Central Scrutinizer
Nov 21, 2008
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Low Earth Orbit
What is it with Prime Minsters and Presidents and giving away hot dogs that is news worthy? Will Obama lie like Harper to everyone while they are gnawing away on the lowest form of meat given to them from the lowest form of scum known to mankind?

Where is the steak?
 

Unforgiven

Force majeure
May 28, 2007
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I'm telling you, that look in Michelle's eyes says, "You better take the god damn potato salad or else".
Though I am sure it's with the utmost gratitude, something strikes me as she doesn't like serving BBQ in the back yard to a bunch of soldiers that are on orders to be a good dog. :smile: