Friday, August 28, 2009

"Oklahoma Bombing Memorial Prayer Service Address"




Short Summary of Speech:


Clinton is leading the state of Oklahoma in a memorial after the Pan Am 103 bombing took place. He continues to morn and share grief to his fellow nation about the families and loved one lost the day of the bombing. He emphasizes the importance of how there is a way to get through the horrible tragedy, and America is standing beside Oklahoma.





Move One: Suspend Judgement


Clinton does not accuse anyone for causing this tragedy, he simply morns the grief of the lost souls. He does not shame upon the ones who are responsible for killing the innocent lives when the Pan Am 103 was shut down. However he quotes, "They are forces that threaten our common peace, our freedom, our way of life. Those who trouble their own house will inherit the wind.¹ Justice will prevail." Meaning that he is addressing the nation that he knows there are forces threatening the nation, although he is not judging what they have done, he is warning them.


Move Two: Define Significant Parts and How They're Related

Clinton mentions many different significant parts throughout the ceremony. Yesterday, Hillary and I had the privilege of speaking with some children of other federal employees -- children like those who were lost here. And one little girl said something we will never forget. She said, "We should all plant a tree in memory of the children." So this morning before we got on the plane to come here, at the White House, we planted that tree in honor of the children of Oklahoma. It was a dogwood with its wonderful spring flower and its deep, enduring roots. It embodies the lesson of the Psalms -- that the life of a good person is like a tree whose leaf does not wither.
This particular quote is significant, because it had a true meaning to those lost in the bombing. This little girl came up with an idea to recognize those children who were lost on that tragic day, and President Clinton went through with the idea and commemorates those who where lost by planting a tree in honor of all the children of Oklahoma. And the type of tree is significant because it was a dogwood, and dogwoods represent the life a person and its enduring roots.


Move Three: Make the Implicit Explicit

The speech Clinton is giving is a memorial speech commemorating those who were lost during the Oklahoma bombing, that is the explicit statement. However, the implicit part of the speech is deep down in Clinton heart, showing how much he truly cares and morns for those lost. He is giving the speech to the state of Oklahoma, however what he does mention, is that what those people have done to Oklahoma affects the entire United States. Meaning that he is truly by their side and wants to help those who have lost loved ones.


Move Four: Look for Patterns


The patterns noticed in Clinton's memorial speech are all very tragic and sad repetitions. Throughout his speech he continues to mention how he feels for those who have lost their loved ones, and to the ones who have sacrificed their lives, to the families who have suffered losses. He also continues to mention the grief and pain everyone in Oklahoma and America are going through because of the horrible tragedy the hit Oklahoma. Two quotes from Clinton the characterize the patterns in his memorial speech. Clinton says, "To the families of those who have been lost and wounded, to the people of Oklahoma City, who have endured so much, and the people of this wonderful state, to all of you who are here as our fellow Americans." He also quotes, "And to all the members of the families here present who have suffered loss, though we share your grief, your pain is unimaginable, and we know that."


Move Five: Keep Formulating Questions and Explanations


How do people/terrorists have the heart to bomb a plane full of innocent people?

Was the plot heard of before the actual attack?


What kind of evidence was found after the bombing?






No comments:

Post a Comment