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Remembering with Words: Moving Commemorative Speeches Examples

Commemorative Speeches

The word “commemorating” means to honor or remember someone or something through a specific action, such as a ceremony, memorial, or observation. It implies that the act is done as a tribute to the memory of the person or thing being commemorated, often as a way of acknowledging their contributions, achievements, or sacrifices and keeping alive the memory.

Commemorative speeches are a powerful way to honor and remember the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our lives. From the moving eulogy at a funeral to the inspiring graduation speech, these speeches can captivate and inspire us in profound ways and leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who hear them. Whether we are listening to a tribute to a loved one or paying homage to a historical figure, commemorative speeches have the power to inspire, uplift, and bring us together in times of celebration and sorrow and offer us a chance to reflect on the past and connect with our shared humanity.

But what makes a commemorative speech truly memorable? Is it the words themselves, or is it the way the speaker delivers them? In this blog, we’ll explore some impactful commemorative speeches examples and examine the techniques that make them so impactful and memorable. In case you find it difficult to work on you assignment, we can help you with writing my paper on any subject and topic.

What is a Commemorative Speech?

To commemorate means “a call to remembrance”. Commemorative speeches are speeches given to honor and remember a person, event, or idea. These speeches are often delivered on special occasions such as graduations, award ceremonies, funerals, anniversaries, and other important events. The purpose of a commemorative speech is to pay tribute to the subject being commemorated and to inspire the audience to remember their contributions and significance.

Commemorative speeches can take many different forms, but they often include personal anecdotes or stories that help to illustrate the impact the subject had on others. They may also include quotes, poetry, or other forms of art that help to capture the essence of the person, event, or idea being commemorated. The tone of a commemorative speech is generally one of reverence and respect, and the speaker’s goal is to help the audience feel a sense of connection to the subject being honored.

What is the Structure of a Commemorative Speech?

The structure of a commemorative speech generally follows a basic essay format which includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each section:

Introduction:

The introduction of a commemorative speech should grab the attention of the audience and set the tone for the rest of the speech. This can be done by opening with a powerful quote, a personal anecdote, or a relevant story that connects the audience to the subject being commemorated. The introduction should also establish the purpose of the speech and give a brief overview of what the audience can expect to hear.

Body:

The body of a commemorative speech is where the speaker goes into greater detail about the subject being commemorated. This can include stories, anecdotes, and personal reflections that help paint a vivid picture of the subject and its significance. The speaker should use this section to convey their main message, which should be uplifting, inspiring, and relevant to the occasion and audience. It’s important to keep the audience engaged and emotionally invested in the speech by varying the pace and tone, using humor or emotion when appropriate, and highlighting key points or themes.

Conclusion:

The commemorative speech essay conclusions should summarize the main points made in the body of the speech and leave a lasting impression on the audience. The speaker should emphasize the significance of the subject being commemorated and leave the audience with a call to action or a memorable quote that reinforces the main message of the speech. The speaker should also thank the audience for their attention and participation.

Overall, the structure of a commemorative speech is flexible and can be adapted to fit the occasion and audience. However, following this basic structure can help ensure that the speech is well-organized, engaging, and memorable. Also, go through a few commemorative speeches examples to get a better understanding of how they are composed. 

What Makes A Commemorative Speech Memorable: Is It the Words Themselves, Or the Way the Speaker Delivers Them?

A truly memorable commemorative speech is the result of a combination of both the words used and the way they are delivered. While the words themselves play an important role in conveying the message and honoring the subject being commemorated, it is the way the speaker delivers them that can make the speech truly impactful and memorable.

A skilled speaker can use vocal inflection, pacing, and body language to add emotional depth and emphasis to the words, making them more powerful and impactful. They can also use personal anecdotes or stories to make the speech more relatable and engaging. The speaker’s ability to convey passion, conviction, and authenticity can help create an emotional connection with the audience and make the speech truly memorable. The speaker’s tone should be appropriate for the occasion and audience, and they should be engaging and charismatic to hold the audience’s attention throughout the speech.

At the same time, the words used in a commemorative speech should be carefully chosen and crafted to convey a powerful and inspiring message that resonates with the audience. The speech should be well-organized, with a clear message and supporting examples or anecdotes that bring the subject being commemorated to life. The speaker should use descriptive language and vivid imagery to help paint a picture of the subject’s life or impact. They should also choose words that are uplifting and inspiring, while still being respectful and appropriate for the occasion.

In summary, both the words used and the way they are delivered play an important role in making a commemorative speech truly memorable. A skilled speaker who can effectively combine both elements can create a speech that honors the subject being commemorated and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

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Impactful Commemorative Speeches Examples

If you’re struggling to get started, consider these examples of impactful and heartfelt commemorative speeches. Regardless of the person or topic you choose, make sure to personalize it, and don’t be afraid to get creative.

  1. Barack Obama’s Eulogy for Beau Biden:

In this speech, former President Barack Obama pays tribute to Beau Biden, the son of Vice President Joe Biden, who passed away from brain cancer. Obama emphasizes Beau’s integrity, compassion, and dedication to public service, while also highlighting the strength and resilience of the Biden family in the face of tragedy.

  • Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes Speech:

In this powerful speech, Oprah Winfrey addresses the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry and beyond, calling for greater accountability and respect for women. She also shares the story of Recy Taylor, a young black woman who was brutally assaulted in 1944 and calls on men and women to come together to create a brighter future.

  • Ronald Reagan’s Challenger Disaster Speech:

In this speech, delivered in the wake of the tragic explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, President Ronald Reagan pays tribute to the seven astronauts who lost their lives. He offers words of comfort to the families of the victims and reminds the nation of the importance of space exploration and the bravery of those who risk their lives to advance our knowledge and understanding of the universe.

  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech:

This iconic speech, delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, is a powerful call for racial equality and justice. King’s impassioned words and powerful imagery continue to inspire and motivate people around the world to this day.

  • Maya Angelou’s Inaugural Poem:

Maya Angelou’s poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” was delivered at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. The poem celebrates the diversity and beauty of America, while also acknowledging its history of oppression and struggle. Angelou’s powerful words and inspiring message continue to resonate with people today.

Commemorative Speeches Examples that Leave Your Audience with a Lasting Impact

Below you will find some speech outline inspirations to write your commemorative speech. Examining these examples will provide an in-depth understanding of how to honor an event or person. In addition, it demonstrates the writing style and includes surprising facts to make your speech stand out.

Example 1: This commemorative speech educates the audience about the historical context and meaning behind the phrase “Remember the Alamo.”

There are moments in history that epitomize bravery and courage, and crossroads where a handful of brave individuals stand up to be counted. They take a stance and declare that they will fight in battle, their stand may seem insignificant in comparison to the great battles in which thousands perish, but perhaps they achieve much more through their spirit, courage, and determination. When standards hold fast against enormous and overwhelming odds, regardless of the outcome, the victory is theirs. The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, on March 6, 1836, was one of those moments in time.

The battle of the Alamo was a desperate fight that probably lasted only a few hours. Every moment seemed like a lifetime for those inside the besieged fortress. Under 200 individuals held out against overwhelming odds and ability for as long as possible. Eventually, every fighting man was killed, but their courage and valor endure to this day.

Originally, the Alamo was a Spanish mission called Mission San Antonio de Valero, home to priests and Indian converts for many years. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, establishing a republic. Within a few years, the government issued an invitation to US citizens through generous land grants to encourage settlement of the area. They also hoped the settlers would put a buffer zone between themselves and the troublesome Comanche.

As the settlers poured in, the military dictator resented the influx and they rebelled against their Mexican rulers in San Anna, which led to his vow for revenge.

The battle between Mexican troops and Santa Anna was brutal and hand-to-hand. More than a thousand Mexicans died, and every fighting man inside the fortress was killed. Bowie himself reportedly fired his guns from his sickbed before being bayoneted. Santa Anna showed little mercy in his victory, and as a final insult to the “Tejano” defenders and Texan rebels, he gathered their bodies and burned them.

To this day, the Alamo and those who died fighting are revered. Their names are synonymous with true heroes who made the ultimate stand and sacrificed their lives. Their courage and fortitude paved the way for a proud, tall, and free Texas. Santa Anna himself was defeated with his forces in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. The sacrifice of the heroes of the Alamo ultimately added a million square miles of territory to the American Nation. Their stance against tyranny and their bravery will never be forgotten.

Example 2: This is a commemorative speech example on the topic: “A prominent event from my hometown”

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we gather to commemorate a prominent event from our beloved hometown. As we look back on this momentous occasion, we are reminded of the rich history and community spirit that has defined this place for generations. For those of us who were fortunate enough to be here at the time, we remember the excitement and anticipation that filled the air. It was a time of great change and progress, and our community was at the forefront of it all.

The event I speak of, of course, is the opening of our town’s first hospital. For years, our community had relied on neighboring towns for medical care, but now we had our state-of-the-art facility, staffed by some of the finest healthcare professionals in the region. This was not just a building, but a symbol of hope and progress for our town. It was a sign that we were moving forward, that we were investing in our future, and that we were committed to providing the best possible care for our families and neighbors.

I remember the day of the opening ceremony like it was yesterday. The streets were lined with people, all eager to catch a glimpse of the new hospital and the dignitaries who had come to celebrate with us. There was music, laughter, and a palpable sense of excitement in the air. But it wasn’t just the pomp and circumstance that made the day so special. It was the knowledge that this hospital would be a place of healing and compassion, a place where people could receive the care they needed to recover and thrive.

Over the years, the hospital has grown and evolved, but its commitment to our community has never wavered. It has been a source of comfort and support for countless families and a beacon of hope for those facing illness or injury. As we commemorate this important event, let us remember the spirit of community that brought us here, and the dedication and hard work of the many people who made it all possible. Let us celebrate the progress we have made, and recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for our town and all those who call it home.

Thank you.

It’s Not Just About Facts

A commemorative speech that leaves a strong impression on the audience is not merely a recitation of facts and figures. Rather, it should express the emotions and sentiments that the speaker holds towards the person or subject being commemorated. A person’s life is much more than a series of dates and achievements, and a good speech should reflect that. While following the steps outlined in this blog, it is important to remember to speak from the heart and enjoy the experience.

We hope that the examples outlined in this blog were helpful to you in understanding how a commemorative speech should be written. In case you still struggle with any type of speech writing or you don’t how to write formal essay, don’t hesitate to approach our experts. Know that you have the option to ask us to write me an essay, in case any time you feel overwhelmed with any of your writing assignments.

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