The local Veterans group asked me to give the keynote talk at the ceremony this coming weekend.
I really don't speak in front of people often although I have from time to time. I was flattered at the invitation and I've been working on what I wanted to say this week.
I plan to open it up with a joke so I thought I'd try it out on you first to see if it flies.
This retired Colonel had let himself go physically for years and he decided to get back in shape.
He joined a gym and hired a young trainer to help keep him on track.
The first day at the gym and young woman goddess of 25 came in and got on the treadmill next to the Colonel. She smiled as she set out on a brutal routine.
The Colonel called the young trainer over and asked if there was a machine he could get on that would impress the young woman.
After looking at the young woman, and then evaluating the Colonel he said -- You might consider the ATM machine in the lobby.
I figure I'll either lose the crowd right there or have them eating out of my hand. The rest of my talk is about my time in the Army and my observations about service to our country.
I worked on a project the last several weeks to verify all the names of soldiers from our county who died in Vietnam.
The Veterans committee wanted to have a plaque made to honor those fallen soldiers. I wrote a story for the paper and included all the names of the soldiers we knew of.
As it turns out, readers contacted me with the names of two soldiers who grew up here but moved away before they were drafted.
I'm a little nervous because there are always a lot of people who attend this ceremony but veterans are near and dear to my heart. It's my intention to give it my best shot.
I really don't speak in front of people often although I have from time to time. I was flattered at the invitation and I've been working on what I wanted to say this week.
I plan to open it up with a joke so I thought I'd try it out on you first to see if it flies.
This retired Colonel had let himself go physically for years and he decided to get back in shape.
He joined a gym and hired a young trainer to help keep him on track.
The first day at the gym and young woman goddess of 25 came in and got on the treadmill next to the Colonel. She smiled as she set out on a brutal routine.
The Colonel called the young trainer over and asked if there was a machine he could get on that would impress the young woman.
After looking at the young woman, and then evaluating the Colonel he said -- You might consider the ATM machine in the lobby.
I figure I'll either lose the crowd right there or have them eating out of my hand. The rest of my talk is about my time in the Army and my observations about service to our country.
I worked on a project the last several weeks to verify all the names of soldiers from our county who died in Vietnam.
The Veterans committee wanted to have a plaque made to honor those fallen soldiers. I wrote a story for the paper and included all the names of the soldiers we knew of.
As it turns out, readers contacted me with the names of two soldiers who grew up here but moved away before they were drafted.
I'm a little nervous because there are always a lot of people who attend this ceremony but veterans are near and dear to my heart. It's my intention to give it my best shot.
I certainly laughed at that joke;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your speech ,I am sure you will be fine;)
the joke is great and if the rest of your talk comes from your heart you will be just fine.
ReplyDeleteGood joke. You are speaking to a good crowd.
ReplyDelete-Joy
You'll do just fine! They'll love you.
ReplyDeleteLOVED LOVED LOVED your joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loved it!! Please use it, please!!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
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For sure it will be a good start... They 'll gonna love you there. You always combine wit, humor and love in every post you do, and that is why i love reading your posts,
ReplyDeleteJJRod'z
I loved the joke. Speak from the heart and you won't go wrong.
ReplyDeleteI thought the joke was great. I know you will do a good job because you have such a good and passionate heart.
ReplyDeleteNow that is funny! I know you'll do great because it's a subject that you have a passion for...honoring our heroes. Thanks for doing that and good luck! P.S...aren't you suppose to pretend that everyone in the audience is in their underwear so you don't get nervous? Actually, that would make me more nervous...forget it.
ReplyDeleteHappy Veterans Day to you!
ReplyDelete