Famed talk show host kicks off Opening Ceremonies
The 96th National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., officially kicked off Tuesday morning at the Charlotte Convention Center with pomp, circumstance and a rousing speech.
National Commander Dan Dellinger called the convention to order around 8:30 a.m. local time. The convention colors were posted by the color guard from Harrisburg Post 472 of Houston. The national anthem was sung by the group Voices of Service, and the American Military Spouses Choir, which previously performed at the Patriotic Memorial Service on Sunday, also sang a song.During the introductory video, one performer summed up the worry that comes with being a military spouse: "It goes through your mind every day: Will I ever see my husband again?" Later in the ceremonies they sang the 1990s hit "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree.
Master of Ceremonies Montel Williams then took the stage. The veteran of TV, the Marine Corps and the Navy began by praising the Legion and its members effusively for their fight for accountability and change during the VA scandal earlier this year. "You worked so tirelessly to get it done - and you got it done," he said. "The hard work you did, your leaders and you ... to protect veterans." He drew a distinction between the concrete action that the Legion took, and all the talking in the media - even his own: "I didn't do it. You did. I was running my mouth."
Williams recounted his youth in Baltimore, his military service and his public career, which has included a successful daytime TV show, a website and several books, as well as his drive to use all of these accomplishments to make a difference. "The platform that I have is so huge," he said. "Why am I not using it to help other guys, like me, who served?"
He went on to stress the importance of average people (and Legionnaires) reaching out and connecting, personally, with servicemembers and veterans. "How can I ask you to do more?" he asked. "But I have to .... There's so much more that needs to be done." He continued, "You don't need a dime to go sit down next to someone" and really ask how they individually feel, or what they might need help with.
"We don't take the time," he said, "and that's what they need the most." He encouraged attendees to continue that support especially in terms of uncertain times: "Feet on the ground always end up with feet coming back, injured."
After his speech, Williams helped welcome the 2014 Legion youth champions who had made it to Charlotte: 2014 Boys Nation President Matthew Ellow, 2014 Eagle Scout of the Year Joseph Blaisse, and 2014 Junior Shooting Sports Precision Champion Michael Steinel and Sporter Champion Antonio "Andre" Gross.