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So today we had our Veteran's Day assembly at the high school I teach at ... I was asked to be a speaker.
Public speaking , especially about such a personal and emotional topic is difficult for me to do.
Talking to folks ,well wishing and well meaning as they were , about a topic that can at times be way out of their realm of experience is doubly difficult.
I kept it pretty simple:
Gave a bit of background about me...
Where I am from...
Why , When and where I served...
What units...
Schools attended ..
Medals and Awards earned...
Just what "Service" means ( at least to me )...
A bit about combat...
How important it is to listen and not just hear what a Veteran has to say...
A lot on remembering that every Veteran has different feelings about Veteran's Day and their time in the Service...Plus if you do thank a Veteran...Please be sincere and not have your "Thank you" , just be something you say on a cold , wet November day.
I think it went well... I still have a teaching job there...
The kids did seem attentive and the comments from the other staff were favorable.
All in all it was a good experience and one that I hope was rewarding to those who were there.
Andy
Public speaking , especially about such a personal and emotional topic is difficult for me to do.
Talking to folks ,well wishing and well meaning as they were , about a topic that can at times be way out of their realm of experience is doubly difficult.
I kept it pretty simple:
Gave a bit of background about me...
Where I am from...
Why , When and where I served...
What units...
Schools attended ..
Medals and Awards earned...
Just what "Service" means ( at least to me )...
A bit about combat...
How important it is to listen and not just hear what a Veteran has to say...
A lot on remembering that every Veteran has different feelings about Veteran's Day and their time in the Service...Plus if you do thank a Veteran...Please be sincere and not have your "Thank you" , just be something you say on a cold , wet November day.
I think it went well... I still have a teaching job there...
The kids did seem attentive and the comments from the other staff were favorable.
All in all it was a good experience and one that I hope was rewarding to those who were there.
Andy