The ‘Silly Shirts’

David Kerley reports: It’s been the tightest-held secret here down under. Twenty one of the world’s leaders are gathered here in Sydney to discuss trade and strategic issues. Thousands took to the streets Saturday to protest this APEC meeting. In his speech, President Bush talked about freedom and progress in Iraq. The Chinese president toured the country as his nation becomes a bigger player in region.

But none of that was what kept many here in suspense. Reporters, delegates all wanted to know what would be this year’s “silly shirt.” It’s a tradition at these Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summits that all the leaders wear traditional clothing of the host country. Often those “shirts” are a bit silly.

But this year it wasn’t a shirt at all. But the leaders will stay dry in the outback or during a thunderstorm in Crawford, Texas. The leaders emerged in Driza-bones.  A what? Well, you’ve probably seen them before. Australia’s bush coat has been around for more than 100 years. A sailor used old sailcloth covered in oil to protect against the harsh weather. The ones for the APEC leaders carry a logo and a colored collar. President Bush chatted with Russian President Putin has the group photo was taken. This tradition started back in 1993 when President Clinton hosted APEC and provided clothing for each attending world leader.