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

SFC Rickey Higgins — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 09:18:01 -0400

It's going to be a big event and it's been near 25 years since the last time I gave a public speech before large crowds. Now I have to get a new Dress Blue uniform put together in the next couple of months. I know to address all the Veterans and say some patriotic things about how important all the sacrifices they as well as their families went through and how even today they contribute so much to our Nation. Any suggestions?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 18 at 2023 10:43 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 10:43:03 -0400

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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2023 11:59 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:59:02 -0400

Know your audience.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Aug 18 at 2023 10:23 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 22:23:37 -0400

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)

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 19 at 2023 4:13 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 04:13:58 -0400

Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!...

It ain't over now, 'cause when the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'. Who's with me? Let's get going! Come on!

What the f--k happened to the Country I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you're gonna let it be the worst. 'Ooh, we're afraid to go with you, SFC Higgins, we might get in trouble.' Well, just kiss my ass from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2023 3:38 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 15:38:10 -0400

Recognize the ebs and flows of patriotism throughout the past 100 years. How have veterans been treated by the public at large after certain conflicts. Draw attention to the unhoused and let the general civilian in the audience know what resources are available in the local area that they can direct a veteran in need. Often help is not given through assumptions and gaps in knowledge.

Point out that there is sacrifice during conflict and out of conflict. Even if a conflict is not popular, it is a duty to stand by a commitment. Respect and acknowledge that individuals in the armed forces are still individuals regardless of when and how they serve. We shouldn't have to wait for another 9/11 to recognize the sacrifices of service members and their families. Thank all the organizations that continue to recognize these sacrifices.

Don't forget to ask this same question at your local VFW. Hang out at your local VA for a day and gain some insight into current veteran's issues.

Thank you for volunteering to speak on behalf of veterans in your area.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2023 7:10 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:10:18 -0400

If, as part of your speech, you choose to list all of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, then do not forget any in the list: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard. It's probably easier to just say something that is all encompassing like "military veterans", "Armed Forces veterans", or "our nation's veterans" rather than leaving one out and therefore having those left out veterans feel
that their service was not worthy enough.

Response by SFC Rickey Higgins made Aug 22 at 2023 6:08 AM

SFC Rickey Higgins — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:08:16 -0400

So the plan will be to craft a speech to address and mention all the service branches and their efforts to protect and save our Nation from threats to our Republic. Give Thanks to them on this day commemorating Victory from our enemies over the generations of men and women standing before us. I've spent years talking with and enlisting them and the satisfaction of them standing up and pledging their oath of enlistment is something all of us should respect and know there are still Citizens who will make that decision which will affect the rest of their lives and ours as well. By Land, Sea, and Air all Vetrans have and will continue to serve!

How's that for a basic outline? Of course this will be written and I will flesh it out in the coming months, and spend a little practice before that day comes.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2023 8:34 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 20:34:54 -0400

SFC Rickey Higgins A salute to Veterans is in order. Play the Armed Forces Medley, and before starting it, ask Veterans in the audience to stand while their service song is played.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyKfr8G04Qc

US Military Songs: United States Armed Forces Medley

The US Armed Forces Medley is a combination of the anthems of the various branches of the United States Military, consisting of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, ...

Response by SFC Rickey Higgins made Nov 26 at 2023 9:14 AM

SFC Rickey Higgins — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 09:14:25 -0500

Update, I had a great day of celebrating Veterans Day with a nice parade escorted by dozens of Cheerleaders. After the parade I was introduced to the public by State Congressman and spoke to the public about Veterans Day. It was the first time in many years that I have done that. But it's like riding a bicycle once the microphone was handed to me, it all came back!

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2024 7:52 AM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 07:52:07 -0500

It sounds like you’ve got the right focus—acknowledging the sacrifices of veterans and their families is always powerful. Maybe consider including a personal story or anecdote about your service or the service of someone you know. It makes the message more heartfelt.