Having never written a speech on my own for a presentation, I was beside myself with the task. I came up with a plan to interview my father, a Vietnam Veteran, and to try to incorporate my platform work, as well as a call to action to the people present that day. Interviewing my dad was the easy part...putting in my platform info was not so bad either. The tricky part for me was to tie at all together in a way that way interesting and informative. I wanted to be patriotic and professional at the same time.
Weeks ticked by and I found myself busy with appearances, pageant prep, my family, and my costume business. Finally after much anticipation I sat down the week of the event and started writing. I incorporated the information that my dad gave me and I also scoured the internet for historically accurate information reguarding Memorial Day and it's meaning to America. When it came to incorporating my platform work with the Special Olympics I found myself writing from the heart. To me, my athletes carry some of the same traits that our brave soldiers have. Lastly, I tied it all together by urging everyone to find a cause that they connect with.
The day of the event I was prepared and ready to go. Little did I know that my 5 minute speech would have such a lasting impact. The crowd was gathering and all the heroes of Bordentown startled to assemble, the band was there, and many members of the local and state government too. In all 250 people gathered to pay there respects to our fallen heroes. I was the first speaker of the day and I delivered my words with as much poise and confidence as I could muster. Up next was a retired Master Sergeant and when he got up to speak he said that he was nervous to follow my speech, what a compliment!
The ceremony ended after much pomp and circumstance and I was filled with emotion. The event organizer as well as several uniformed service members told me that I was suprisingly refreshing. I think that when I showed up in crown and banner they all expected something very different. I'm glad that I was able to exceed their expectations and educate everyone there. For days afterward I received emails, messages, and thank you's from people in public.
What I learned from this whole experience is that is okay to step out of your comfort zone and do something you're not quite ready for. By taking a risk I was able to impact the lives of the people in attendance that day.
Below is an excerpt from the closing of my speech
"Today
I would like to challenge all of you to become an everyday hero and
answer the call of duty. Find a charity that interests you,
volunteer at a local church or school, and support your community
organizations and small businesses. The smallest efforts on our
parts can make the most profound impacts in the lives of others."
Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015
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