#50 Tell the Second Story

The Power of the Second Story:

• Jimmy Breslin's famous 1963 article about Clifton Pollard, the man who dug President Kennedy's grave
• Breslin focused on a different perspective instead of covering the main story
• This approach creates more memorable, impactful pieces

Examples of Second Stories for Memorial Day:

1. The Last Local Soldier
   • Story of Lance Cpl. Steven A. Rickerson, last Warren County soldier killed in Vietnam
   • 18 years old, killed by hostile fire in September 1969
   • Link to story
2. A Mother's Uncertainty
   • Letter from mother worried about rumor that her five sons were killed in action
   • All five sons served together on the U.S.S. JUNEAU
   • Link to mother's letter
3. Last Letter Home
   • Letter from New Castle soldier to wife before D-Day
   • Hopeful message about taking their 3-year-old daughter to first movie
   • Link to letter

Key Takeaway:

• The second story is quieter but more powerful
• It feels real and personal and is perfect for Memorial Day speeches that need to carry the weight of sacrifice

For more tips on finding compelling second stories for your speeches, refer to the accompanying one-page PDF.

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