A bonus from the Don Watson interview that was the feature of last week's Redfern episode. To commemorate Remembrance Day (Armistice Day), speechwriter Don Watson talks about Paul Keating's beautiful 'Eulogy for the Unknown Soldier' that was delivered at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 11 November, 1993. The occasion was the interment of the remains of one Australian solider, dug up from a battlefield on the Western Front.

It is a revered speech in this country, the words are now chiselled into the Australian War Memorial itself and the phrase 'He is all of them, and he is one of us'; was even at the centre of a political stoush in 2013 over whether it should replace Kipling's 'Known Unto God' on the graves of Unknown Soldiers. (Kipling won the day).

This is a shorter episode than the usual Speakola length. If you are interested in Don Watson and his speechwriitng career, the previous episode is much more detailed, and discusses Watson's somewhat broken relationship with the former Prime Minister.

Watson's most recent books are 'There it is Again' (Collected Writings) and The Bush.

If you'd like to donate to support Speakola in both its website and podcast form, Tony would appreciate any help in these covid times! 

Tony's books are available online and at his website. Send an email to swap details for signed copies. He mentions The Minister for Traffic Lights in this episode, a picture book about a traffic light loving politician who invents a mauve traffic light as a cure for road rage.

Episode supported by GreenSkin™ and PurpleSkin™ avocados at https://greenskinavocados.com.au/

Please subscribe to the podcast, visit Speakola,  and share any great speeches that are special to you, famous or otherwise. I just need transcript & photo /video embed. Speakola also has Twitter and Facebook feeds

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.