Please Critique

As President of the Mess, I have to do quite a bit of speaking tomorrow night. I have no problem with that, have done it many times, but I would like to say something meaningful without blathering on and on. Here are my closing remarks, and I would REALLY appreciate comments, good or bad.

My closing remarks:

We are assembled here this evening, united by a common thread- either by military service, or for the love of someone who has served. This Armed Forces Day, this evening, was chosen to honor our veterans and to show our appreciation.
Although over 60 years has passed since our World War II veterans answer their call to duty, the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation will forever echo throughout history. You saved the world. We can never say thank you enough.
Korea has been labeled the Forgotten War. Within this hall, Korean War veterans will never be forgotten, and we will never forget to thank them.
Viet Nam veterans returned home to a country that seemingly was ashamed of their service, and a media that was all too willing to portray them as drug addicts, psychotics and much worse. Their honor was stolen. It is incumbent upon all of us to combat that perception always, and we begin by saying Welcome Home, and thank you.
Many of our veterans saw their service in places like Grenada, Libya, Lebanon, Somalia or El Salvador. Their service in the world’s hot spots equals all others, and we thank them.
The veterans of Desert Shield and Desert Storm liberated Kuwait in a most awesome show of American firepower, speed and resolve. For the first time in far too long, our military was seen for the heroes they are. Thank you.
Today, our sons and daughters are fighting in the Long War, and once again our country seems divided about the necessity of ridding the world of terrorism. What is not open to debate is that here, we welcome you with open arms, and thank you for your service to our country.

Thank you all for coming this evening. I sincerely hope that this is an event we will be able to repeat every year. And because it can never be said enough, thank you all for your service to this nation in the armed forces, and again as members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.


Too long? Not long enough? Relevant or stupid? No way I'm going to get through it without crying??