What message should civilians hear on Memorial Day?

2016-05-06T12:19:15-04:00

I have been asked to be the speaker at a Memorial Day event for a local community out here in Western PA. As I start to get my thoughts together, I am left asking what message should I give the people that attend.

So I thought I would turn to RallyPoint and ask for your thoughts. What message do you think they should here?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-05-06T12:41:35-04:00

SGT Ben Keen What an honor! You could say that Memorial Day is to honor the family members, friends, and fellow citizens who died while serving in the country's armed forces. You could add that also to be honored are those men and women veterans who served and have died after leaving the service. I would mention that these men and women felt a calling to serve their country, and that is what they did. I would mention what makes this day special to you.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made May 6 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-05-06T12:52:45-04:00

I would suggest a rendering speech about the good of the military, as well as the sacrifices that have been made (roughly about 5-10 minutes). I would then focus the speech on the positiveness of a strong military that can contend with anyone in the world. The vast improvements in the direction and technology should finish it off.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 6 at 2016 12:59 PM

2016-05-06T12:59:33-04:00

This would be a good place to begin your search...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70

University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address - Admiral William H. McRaven

Remarks by Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, BJ '77, ninth commander of U.S.Special Operations Command, Texas Exes Life Member, and Distinguished Alumnus. Unive...

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made May 6 at 2016 1:03 PM

2016-05-06T13:03:38-04:00

Don't forget a GBNF line (Gone, but not forgotten). The names of departed veterans in each community must be remembered and passed down to each new generation.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made May 6 at 2016 2:14 PM

2016-05-06T14:14:10-04:00

I would also thank the civilians, especially those who don't even know someone in the military but still show support for our men and women in uniform. Our nation cannot defend itself without a supporting citizenry, and our nation's vets appreciate the kind words of encouragement.

Response by SSG Terry Back (Martin-Back) made May 6 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-05-06T15:17:02-04:00

May I suggest; starting out by saying, you are a veteran and Memorial Day is not about you. You came home, (long pause......., look around the crowd several times), they didn't.
How long do you want to speak? If you would like some coaching, I speak professionally and would be happy to assist you. You can email me [login to see] I am enclosing some links to pieces I have had published to help you along. http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100527/NEWS/100529536
http://goodlifecommunity.com/2014/05/memorial-day-2014/#more-1625
https://plus.google.com/ [login to see] [login to see] /posts/LKmuejScVYy
I hope this gives you material you can draw from.

Terry Martin-Back: Remember during this Memorial Day weekend

As you drive down Archer Road, Saturday morning, you just might see a bunch of old guys hanging yellow ribbons on trees. Your kids may ask; why are they doing that? You may not know, but it's because, they remember.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 6 at 2016 3:24 PM

2016-05-06T15:24:35-04:00

Wow, let me say that yet again, the RallyPoint community has really come together to help! Everything shared so far has given me a few great ideas. Of course, I am not focusing my remarks on myself and what I have done during my time in the service. I want to be a voice of our brothers and sisters-in-arms that are not able to circle around the grill with a cold beer. I think that it's important, as many of you shared, to share with people that Memorial Day is not the Veterans' holiday. It is a day set aside to remember and honor those that are not here. The men and women who's names are engraved on black bracelets that many of us wear. Those that have gathered one last time on the well manicured lawns of cemeteries across this country. And yes, while we should celebrate their lives, saying "Happy Memorial Day" always makes me feel off.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 8 at 2016 8:26 PM

2016-05-08T20:26:54-04:00

Don't bother with me, I'm still Upright Sucking Air and Taking Nourishment. This is the day we Remember My Shipmates that Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice, My Mates that aren't walking with me anymore except in Spirit. My Friends, My Mentors, My Teachers.

Response by CPL Ricky Vasquez made May 9 at 2016 12:40 AM

2016-05-09T00:40:15-04:00

Thanks you for your tax money..