Washington D.C.

Oct. 31, 2018

Thank you, Darren [Long, Chairman of the SEC Veterans Committee], for that kind introduction. I want to thank the SEC Veterans Committee for organizing today’s event. As the son of a Vietnam veteran, Veterans Day holds special meaning for me. It is a day during which we honor the women and men who have served in the armed forces of our great nation.

I remember growing up in central Pennsylvania in the early 1970s. It was a great time, but also – during the middle and end of the Vietnam War – a time of uncertainty. There were periodic funerals. When I think about Veterans Day, I think about the uncertainty that I felt at that time, and know that there are people that feel that today with loved ones in the military. On a personal level, I want to say how important it is to take time to remember the sacrifices that others have made on our behalf.

Leadership Development Program. Remarks by the President on Veterans Day. On this day, we thank all of our veterans from all of our wars – not just for your.

1. The proper format for closing remarks depends heavily on context; for example, closing remarks for a medical industry conference can be along the lines of a summary of events at the conference, such as, 'This week, conference attendees heard speeches from some of the leading researchers in the.
2. In closing I would like to share this passage from President Ronald Reagan from a speech he gave at the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial November 11, 1988 – I took the liberty of adding the last two words For too long a time, they stood in a chill wind, as if on a winter night's watch.

When I arrived at the SEC, I was incredibly impressed at the support for our nation’s veterans, including those that are currently here at the agency. I’d like to specifically recognize Susan Schneider, the founder of the Veterans Committee and its Chair for over 10 years. Susan, you have done an amazing job, and thank you very much for all you have done for our veterans and the SEC.

Here at the Commission, thanks in large part to the efforts of Susan and many others, we have a tradition of honoring Veterans Day with an annual program sponsored by our Veterans Committee. Today we have a special program – a panel discussion – that I am honored to moderate. Among other things, we will be discussing the Vietnam War, its lasting effects on the American military, and ways in which we can improve the lives of those who have so selflessly served our country. Guiding us through this discussion, we have two distinguished panelists, Dr. Ronald Spector and retired U.S. Army Brigadier General David Blackledge.

Dr. Spector is a Professor at the George Washington University Elliot School of International Affairs, specializing in naval and military history, and international affairs. He has served on the faculties of LSU, Alabama and Princeton and has been a senior Fulbright lecturer in India and Israel. Dr. Spector teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on U.S.-East Asia Relations, World War II, and the Vietnam War, as well as a graduate seminar on Naval history and strategy.

Dr. Spector is also a veteran of the Vietnam War. He is a Retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1967 to 1969, and again from 1983 to 1984. Dr. Spector is the author of several books and also was the first civilian to be named as the head of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.

General Blackledge is a graduate of West Point, and he served for 37 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. General Blackledge held several senior level positions, including Commanding General of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Reserve Affairs at the Pentagon; Commanding General of the 351st Civil Affairs Task Force in Baghdad.

General Blackledge’s combat duty includes service during Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to five Bronze Stars, General Blackledge has received two Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat.

General Blackledge has held management positions at Procter & Gamble, and he currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Melwood Veterans Services. At Melwood, he leads efforts to assist current and former service-members in dealing with the effects of service-related trauma, and in obtaining job training and placement services.

Please join me in welcoming our honored guests today.

And now I am pleased to get started with the panel.

Veterans Day Program Script

Veterans Day Commemoration Activities

Veterans Day activities afford the schools and the local community an excellent opportunity to produce a variety of cooperative programs. Participation by patriotic organizations can enhance the projects suggested in this guide.

1. Indoor Ceremony
Depending on the facilities available, an indoor assembly program can provide a most meaningful tribute to America's veterans. The scope of such a program may be large enough to permit invitations to the community at large. The following ceremony outline, with prepared Veterans Day remarks represents a typical one-hour program:

Prelude and Posting of Colors
As the audience enters to be seated, a school or community musical organization may perform several appropriate selections. A procession and posting of colors always makes for a stirring event. Local veterans service organizations often participate in such programs with their impressive array of banners and flags.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and National Anthem
The program chairperson, school principal, or student body president should invite the audience to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem.

• Today there is, and perhaps there always will be, conflict in the world. But the United States fortunately enjoys peace and freedom. Like other things of great value, this security did not come cheaply. Part of the cost has already been paid by Americans who answered the call to military duty when their country needed them. They served in 11 wars, from the Revolution to the Persian Gulf, earning the special distinction 'veteran.' But another part of freedom's cost must continue to be paid long after the guns have been silenced. This debt is owed America's veterans. Some need their country's help, even as their country once needed theirs, to readjust, to recover from wounds, or to overcome hardships of age and infirmity. Most ask nothing in repayment of their sacrifices. Let us continue to help those veterans in need with the greatest possible compassion and efficiency. To the rest, since they ask no special help, we can best pay tribute this day by recognizing what they have achieved and joining them in their resolve to keep America strong and free.

Veterans Day Program Ideas For Kids

Special Musical Selection
A band or choral group should perform one of the more impressive patriotic selections available.

Veterans Day Program Closing Remarks 2017

Introduction of Guests
Dignitaries selected as special guests may include local government officials, school alumni with distinguished military service, veterans from the community who represent different periods of service, and faculty members who are veterans.

Veterans Day Opening Remarks

Veterans Day Program Template

Principal Speaker
Your principal speaker should be invited far enough in advance to allow him or her adequate preparation time for your program.
Student Essay or Reading
In school programs, student body participation may be increased by including in the program various presentations by individual pupils. Selected essays from school-wide competition may be offered by the student-authors. Having a talented student read a well-known patriotic address by an American president or famous military hero that can be effective. There are a number of published musicals/narratives that could add greatly to your program.
Moment of Silence and Taps
While Veterans Day is typically a tribute to America's living veterans, it is always appropriate to include a moment of silence in respect for those who gave their lives for their country. The signing of the World War I Armistice took place in a railway coach near the battle zone in France. The bugles sounded 'cease firing' and the hostilities ended, marking a most significant moment in world history. Although 11 a.m. remains the traditional hour for this type of tribute, a moment of silence is appropriate at any point in the program. This may be followed by an instrumental or vocal rendition of 'Taps.'
Closing
Accompanied by appropriate music, assembled colors should be retired. Then the audience may file out.

2. Flag Raising Ceremony
Weather permitting, outdoor flag-raising ceremonies permit group participation in an event that routinely escapes attention. Such a ceremony, although brief, should include the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. A special guest may participate.

Veterans Day

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