May 25th 1924 

CONTEXT

I have to admit this is a surprising entry but a justified one. Calvin Coolidge might never be remembered as a humorous or funny keynote speaker. Indeed he was dubbed "Silent Cal" because he rarely if ever engaged in small talk. Although not rated highly by most presidential historians, he did bring some respectability back to the office, following the death of Warren G. Harding whose administration was beset by scandal. I think probably like most other funny or humorous keynote business speakers, I thought Coolidge’s material would be barren ground. Not so. He gave more press conferences than any other President (Yup, you read that correctly) although the norm at that time was the conferences were off-the-record. This address at the Confederate Memorial is heartfelt and genuine, although I think my fellow Irishmen would not agree to his comments about Oliver Cromwell. (Now there was a man who was NOT a humorous or funny or inspirational or motivational keynote speaker!)

Enjoy a fine speech from a surprising source.

*********

The bitterness of conflict is passed. Time has softened it; discretion has changed it. Your country respects you for cherishing the memory of those who wore the gray. You respect others who cherish the memory of those who wore the blue. In that mutual respect may there be a firmer friendship, a stronger and more glorious Union.

If I am correctly informed by history, it is fitting that the Sabbath should be your Memorial Day. This follows from the belief that except for the forces of Oliver Cromwell no army was ever more thoroughly religious than that which followed General Lee. Moreover, these ceremonies necessarily are expressive of a hope and a belief that rise above the things of this life. It was Lincoln who pointed out that both sides prayed to the same God. When that is the case, it is only a matter of time when each will seek a common end. We can now see clearly what that end is. It is the maintenance of our American form of government, of our American institutions, of our American ideals, beneath a common flag, under the blessings of Almighty God.

It was for this purpose that our Nation was brought forth. Our whole course of history has been proceeding in that direction. Out of a common experience, made more enduring by a common sacrifice, we have reached a common conviction. On this day we pause in memory of those who made their sacrifice in one way. In a few days we shall pause again in memory of those who made their sacrifice in another way. They were all Americans; all contending for what they believed were their rights. On many a battle field they sleep side by side. Here, in a place set aside for the resting place of those who have performed military duty, both make a final bivouac. But their country lives.

The bitterness of conflict is passed. Time has softened it; discretion has changed it. Your country respects you for cherishing the memory of those who wore the gray. You respect others who cherish the memory of those who wore the blue. In that mutual respect may there be a firmer friendship, a stronger and more glorious Union.

When I delivered the address dedicating the great monument to General Grant in the city of Washington, General Carr was present, with others of his comrades, and responded for the Confederacy with a most appropriate tribute. He has lately passed away, one of the last of a talented and gallant corps of officers. To the memory of him whom I had seen and heard and knew as the representative of that now silent throng, whom I did not know, I offer my tribute. We know that Providence would have it so. We see and we obey. A mightier force than ever followed Grant or Lee has leveled both their hosts, raised up a united Nation, and made us all partakers of a new glory. It is not for us to forget the past but to remember it, that we may profit by it. But it is gone; we cannot change it. We must put our emphasis on the present and put into effect the lessons the past has taught us. All about us sleep; those of many different beliefs and many divergent actions. But America claims them all. Her flag floats over them all. Her Government protects them all. They all rest in the same divine peace.

****************************************************

You may have come to this website via a search for
· Humorous keynote speaker
· Funny keynote speaker
· Keynote speaker Foodservice
· Keynote speaker Communications
· Motivational humorous keynote speaker
· Chicago based Irishman who earns a living as a humorous keynote business speaker (that is a bit of a stretch I admit.
Anyway! If any of those searches brought you here, you have got the right person. I speak on business and life topics (with my genuine Irish brogue) and have been referenced as “An Irish Dilbert” and “James Joyce meets Tom Peters.” I am one of the very few speakers who offers a brand promise – E4: Energize, Educate, Entertain AND Easy to work with.
Go on! Give an Irishman a break and your audiences a great keynote speaker.

Phone me - Conor Cunneen - at 630 718 1643 and I’d be delighted (thrilled skinny as we’d say back in Ireland) to work with you on your next event.