Winston Churchill is famous for making political speeches, warning of political peril ahead. He warned Great Britain and the world of the dangerous rumblings coming out of Germany during the 1930s as well as when Communist Russia began to expand its reach after World War II. At that time, Churchill warned the world of the "iron curtain" descending across Central and Eastern Europe.
Despite his international message, Churchill chose Westminster College in rural Fulton, Missouri as the stage to deliver his Iron Curtain speech to the world. Today Westminster College is home to the National Churchill Museum.
"What we're trying to do now is bring Churchill to the next generation," said Rob Havers, director of the National Churchill Museum in Fulton.
To that end, the museum has put together a new documentary on Churchill's life and is hosting a state speech competition for middle schoolers using a quote from Churchill as inspiration.
"Clear, effective and persuasive communication is critical even in this age of blogging," said retired Pattonville High School speech and debate coach Randy Pierce. He and his wife are organizing the new competition. This year the the theme will be "Never Confuse Leadership with Popularity."
Shining a spotlight on a historical figure who made speeches warning of trouble ahead is perhaps particularly relevant during the current debate over how to respond to the situation in Syria.
"Looking at leaders today, one thing you can take away from what Winston Churchill did was a focus on the willingness to act appropriately and to do what is necessary when the time comes, but also to persuade people that your course of action is the right course of action, and to get people behind you. You cannot be a leader unless people follow you," said Havers.
Related Events and Information
Documentary Screening, "Winston Churchill's Epic 'Iron Curtain Speech': History Alive Today"
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2013
St. Louis Public Library, Central Library, 1301 Olive St.
The screening is free, but viewers must register to attend via EventBrite.
The documentary will also air on Nine PBS Friday, September, 20, 2013 at 9:30 p.m.
Winston Churchill Student Speech Competition
Open to all Missouri students in 6th - 8th grade. Local competitions must be complete by November 15th.
Statewide competition will be held on February 17th at the National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Mo.
For more information, visit the National Churchill Museum website.
St. Louis on the Air provides discussion about issues and concerns facing the St. Louis area. The show is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and hosted by veteran journalist Don Marsh.
