How to Write a Commemorative Manuscript

How to Write a Commemorative Manuscript:

• Below are 5 questions to ask yourself when writing your manuscript. 
• Use these questions to type your double-spaced manuscript in a Word document. (Be sure to refer to “How to be Successful” – Know how your instructor wants assignments formatted.)
• You will use your manuscript for delivering your speech.   (Typed, double-spaced, written out, word for word speech)
• PLEASE ELABORATE ON EACH QUESTION.    IT WILL MAKE YOUR SPEECH MORE INTERESTING AND ASSIST YOU IN ENSURING IT WILL BE LONG ENOUGH.
• Examples of answers to the questions can be found below.
• A final manuscript example is available for you at the bottom of the page.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is story that will help you introduce this person, group of people, institution, or idea without giving the name of this person, group of people, institution, or idea?  Tell a short story that paints a picture for everyone about this person.

2. Who or what are you talking about?  Be sure to tell who you are commemorating.

3. Why are you commemorating this person, group of people, institution, or idea?

4. What are some other important details about this person, group of people, institution, or idea?

5. Again, who are you commemorating and why?

Example Answers:

1. What is story that will help you introduce this person, group of people, institution, or idea without giving the name of this person, group of people, institution, or idea?  Tell a short story that paints a picture for everyone about this person.

Example:

           There once was young boy who grew up during hard times in the 1940s. He was born to wonderful mother who loved him so. He was also born to a father who cared for him, but in his own special way. His father was well known alcoholic. His mother was the second wife of this man. The young boy grew up without much. He helped worked the fields and his dad made some money as a fireman, but drank it all up.

           As the boy grew older, his family grew poorer. In fact, they lost their home to the bank. They had to cut trees down off the land and build a log cabin to live and have shelter. The boy would get beat by his dad and watch his mom and sisters get knocked around a lot. He would take the beatings and tried to protect the women of the house. This became more and more as each day passed. One day when the boy turned seventeen, he ran away from home. He was so tired of getting beat all the time. The circus had come to town in Hattiesburg; and when they left, he left with them. He had become a really large man and worked on the crew that put up the big tent for the circus- the big top. He worked only for about a year, but learned much.

           He later went on to land a job with the Mississippi Department of Transportation working on the roads in Mississippi. He was big man by this time. He was probably six foot four. He had kind, dreamy blue eyes, and was shy around most people. As he was working on the roads in a little town called Poplarville, he met a beautiful woman and fell in love. Her family owned some property in the middle of town and they married.

           He went on to have one son, serve in the military, and become a pillar of the Poplarville Community. He became well-known as the man who would give his shirt off his back to help a fellow citizen. He was caring, gentle, and honest.

2. Who or what are you talking about?  Be sure to tell who you are commemorating.

Example:

           Today, I am commemorating my grandfather, Pete Finnemore Hatten.

3. Why are you commemorating this person, group of people, institution, or idea?

Example:

            A man to whom many would never call a stranger and always call a friend. He came from humble means, but went on in life to become my hero. Even though he has now passed on, he leaves a mark on the hearts of all who knew him. He would visit the sick and poor. He would go around to the restaurants and anything they were going to throw out, he would bring to those who needed it. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He would go out of his way to help someone, even if he had less than the person he was helping.  

           I remember so many times when he helped others. Even after his death, he donated his car (an antique in pristine condition) to a man he knew that did not have a car. He knew that man needed one to get to work and that the man walked to work everyday. He donated money anonymously to the church to build a new steeple or to for repairs. My grandfather was not wealthy, he just used his money wisely.

4. What are some other important details about this person, group of people, institution, or idea?

Example:

          As I mentioned earlier, my grandfather was drafted into the military during World War II. He lived through the depression. He went on to graduate from Pearl River Community College. He served as an alderman in Poplarville for several terms. He literally knew everyone. He did not care if you poor or rich, black or white, or old or young. He knew you and he knew what needs you may have. I remember him collecting clothes from local stores, along with one of his friends Dave. They would give it away to people they knew needed the clothes. Amazingly, my grandfather never took any for himself. He always wore coveralls or the same plaid shirts with work pants.

        After my grandfather and grandmother had their first and only child, she moved him into a separate bedroom as she said she could not have another child. She said it almost killed her. My grandfather was such a good man to his wife. He would sit for hours in town in the heat while his wife ran her errands in town. He did most of cleaning, cooking, and sewing for his family. He also was a wood and metal tradesman, where he worked very hard to provide for his family. He and my grandmother sacrificed a lot to send their son to college. My grandfather could repair anything. I dont think there was anything my grandfather couldnt fix or couldnt do. He was simply amazing.

5. Again, who are you commemorating and why?

Example:

           I am commemorating my grandfather tonight. He was a husband, who loved his wife unconditionally. He was a father who sacrificed for much for his son. He was a pillar in the community that everyone could count on for help.  He was a man who never met a stranger and was kind to so many. He left a legacy for his grandchildren to remember- one of love, kindness, honesty, and perseverance. My grandfather, Pete Finnemore Hatten, was simply an amazing man. Thank you.