Nov 13, 2009
Fort Hood Speech Deserves Salute
Kudos to President Obama, particularly his speech writers, for giving his best speech at Tuesday’s memorial service for the victims of Fort Hood, Texas. In times of tragedy, words are of little solace. However, the Commander-in-Chief deftly stepped up to the plate and delivered a moving speech that sought to comfort the families and friends who lost loved ones during the shooting rampage just days earlier. The President poetically recalled details of each of the 13 American fatalities, giving further significance to their life and military service. Neither writing nor making that kind of speech can be easy. As this week’s recipient of the Virtual Cup of Joe Award, both the President and his speechwriters need at least three cups of coffee each to recover from what were undoubtedly late night hours.
The virtual Cup of Joe Award from EveryDayPR spotlights our pick of the week for a public relations performance – good, bad or ugly. If you’d like to make a nomination, contact shart@hartpr.com or www.Twitter/susanhartpr
The President’s speech was delayed for over and hour. Why? He met first with the families of the fallen and wounded, and showed what kind of person he is by spending as much time as needed with each of them regardless of the inconvenience to media and those waiting. He knew what was most important and his compassion showed it.
Good point, Gay. Thanks for commenting!
I have to disagree with your assessment of President Husan’s speech. I also have an issue with the mainstream media as well. This was not a tragedy. It was an act of terrorism, plain and simple. Nowhere in Husan’s speech did he call out Muslims on terror or even alude to the problem we have in this conntry with radical Islam terrorists. Because this country is consumed with not offending the people who want to kill us we are destined for destruction. Wake up America.
I agree that this country and its leadership needs to be more than concerned about terrorist factions on our own soil. If you believe the mainstream media, it appears that the killer was in fact associated with radical Islamic leaders and followers, yet nothing was done about it. Anytime innocent Americans are killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a tragedy. I don’t believe the purpose of any memorial service is to serve as some type of political platform when people are mourning. I’d just like give the President and his speechwriters some credit for being appropriate for the cause.