What should I say when asked to speak at a Veterans Day Parade?

That's the thing. You have to find what fits your speaking style and what you are passionate about. Veterans Day is more than just checking the boxes about those who came before and those currently serving. Recognize them but use your unique perspective to put your spin on things and make it your own. I can tell you what I like to speak about and my POV but for it to be genuine and flow well it has to come from you.

You will have your own personal experiences, insights, and feelings woven into your speech, and this will exude your natural passion and enthusiasm. The speech will uniquely be yours, as only you can deliver it. To get started, however, we sometimes need inspiration. The Ronald Reagan Foundation posted on YouTube the "Best of President Reagan’s Remarks about Veterans". His speeches were well-written and obviously well-spoken.

Listening to speeches like this can be inspiring. It can conjure up several personal experiences and feelings from your journey that inspire you and you can add a unique personal touch to your speech; a speech uniquely yours.

Your audience: All Americans. (this subject rises above any divisions that may exist)

Know your audience.