Topic

There are two connected main topics in Mike Pence’s National Veterans Day Observance speech. Firstly, Mike Pence’s intention is to celebrate and thank American veterans. Beyond thanking veterans directly, Pence also lists a few of the most important battlegrounds on which Americans have fought since America’s beginning as an independent nation (ll. 55-67), and mentions the wars in which the veterans in the audience took part (ll. 65-67). This helps him highlight the military’s and veterans’ role throughout history and implicitly celebrate their contribution to the nation. Pence also focuses on the sub-topic of the Vietnam War, mentioning how President Trump commemorated its 50th anniversary in Vietnam the previous day (ll. 69-71). He also tells the story of a decorated Vietnam veteran – Lieutenant Brian Thacker – and asks the audience to thank him...