Family Reunion free essay sample

A welcome speech is generally a custom tradition at family reunions. It helps to break the ice and get things going. It is also an opportunity to make a lasting impression on distant family members that have not been around for awhile. To begin a welcome speech for a family reunion make it fun and upbeat. Start out by thanking everyone for attending, and if there is anyone that deserves a special mention it is always a good idea to acknowledge them. Prior to the reunion it might help to contact several family members to get details about their current lives, and also speak with the elder family members and ask them to share their memories of times past. Family history and recalling events of another generation is always of interest, and can be very entertaining. Do not forget to use the younger kids in the gathering of memories. Send them off to ask their parents and grandparents questions about how it was when they were little. We will write a custom essay sample on Family Reunion or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Children always present what they know in an innocent, open manner. Things that should not be discussed during a family reunion welcome speech include: private family issues, embarrassing moments and anything that would bring up sour feelings amongst family members. Also avoid long sentences. Try to keep sentences short and to the point, and stay away from overly humorous sayings. This is perhaps one of the easiest speeches to make because it is entertaining, nostalgic and it means something to the people listening to it. Do not make it more difficult by worrying about what to say. Speak from the heart, re-tell old stories and share everyones memories with sincerity and appreciation. Most people will write their own welcome speeches, but they can also be pre-written by a professorial speech writer. Memorizing the speech verses reading from a paper is one way to make it seem more heartfelt. *Family reunions can be a stressful time for any one. The constant worry if every one is going to get along with each other, the seating arrangements, if food will be served and what type, and etcetra. The person who coordinates their family reunion take on a huge task and feel as though it is important to insure that every tiny detail is correct. Remember that there are likely to be small   children at the family reunion, and planning games and activities for younger children is an excellent way to keep them entertained while adults mingle. To begin a welcome speech for a family reunion make it fun and upbeat. Start out by thanking everyone for attending. If there is anyone that deserves a special mention it is always good to acknowledge them. Such people may include recent high school or college graduates, and/or marriages, anniversaries or baby announcements. Prior to the reunion, it is a good idea to contact several family members to get details about what is going on in their lives. Speaking with the elder family members to ask them to share stories or memories for every one to enjoy; this would especially be good for younger family members to hear. Family history and recalling events of another generation is always of interest and can be very entertaining. The younger children of the family could be to ask their parents and grandparents questions about how it was when they were little. Children always present what they know in an innocent, open manner. This is one of the easiest speeches to make because it is entertaining, is nostalgic and it means something to the people listening to it. Speaking from the heart makes stories more special and memorable, and adds an warm and fuzzy feeling throughout the family reunion. For more information, please see. * Family reunion poems are a great way to let everyone know how much everyone cares about one another. Its a great way to celebrate family by sharing memories, poems and photos of each other from past gatherings and holidays together. Although it is not always easy to get an entire family together for a reunion, when it does happen it is important to make the most of the event by taking plenty of  photos, keeping a guest registry book and also by sharing thoughtful messages and poems for all of the family to hear during the actual reunion. Sharing family reunion poems with all of ones relatives is a way to connect emotionally and to help bring the entire family closer. Finding free printable family reunion poems is possible online by using different websites dedicating to sharing messages and thoughts with family members. One website that features colorful and printable family poems (complete within designed paper) is the Family Reunion Planner section of the Fimark website (family-reunion-planner. fimark. net). On Fimark, visitors are able to quickly browse through the available selection of family reunion poems to choose the most colorful design or the most relevant poem that fits with the type of reunion that is being hosted. The family reunion poems range from thanking the elders of the family for creating the generations to spreading knowledge and wisdom to the newcomers of the family and the next generation. Another site for finding printable family reunion poems is Family Friend Poems (www. familyfriendpoems. com). On Family Friend Poems, users are able to submit their own poems which are personal or that can be relevant to others families as well. Family Friend Poems allows visitors to vote and rate for the best poem while also offering a print friendly version of each poem that is published on the site. Family Friend Poems also has an option of sharing the poems related to family reunions with others using social media buttons. More reference links: *Well, good morning, everybody. It is great to see all of you. Many of you Ive had a chance to see individually or in small groups over the last several months, *I’m very pleased to be here this afternoon to moderate this event *With that, let me now turn to our panel. I’m very pleased to introduce such distinguished speakers: Mr. Stephen Rapp, US Ambassador at large for War Crimes Issues; Ms. Elisabeth Rehn, Chair of the ICC Trust Fund Board of Directors; Ms. Luz Mende, President of the Advisory Board of the National Union of Guatemalan Women; and Mr. Saidu Conton Sesay, Commissioner on the National Commission on Social Action, Sierra Leone. Class reunion awards is something that every student looks forward to, because first of all the classmates they have not seen each other with years. And the class reunion awards helps to remember the now older student how far they have came. The class reunion awards can come in all types, which can be Plaque, trophies , and medals. The class reunion is one of the highest traditions that all   students enjoy. All students who got lots of medals in high school, and became most popular in the job field, will look forward to the class reunion awards to receive an award. Class reunion awards is something that every student looks forward to, because first of all the classmates they have not seen each other with years. And the class reunion awards helps to remember the now older student how far they have came. The class reunion awards can come in all *types, which can be Plaque, trophies , and medals. The class reunion is one of the highest traditions that all   students enjoy. All students who got lots of medals in high school, and became most popular in the job field, will look forward to the class reunion awards to receive an award. Start simple to open, like Its so wonderful to look out to see so many beautiful faces that I havent seen in awhile, its so great to have all of you here , to be able to stand before you to give this family greeting means the world to me. Some of us that were here on the last reunion is not here today but I thank God for the ones who are, all the Great aunts and Uncle, The Grandmother and Grandfather, the sister, brother,maybe youre a niece or nephew , cousin, but whatever you are you better believe you is what make this family a family, and I love you from the bottom of my heart Whatever you say just say it from the heart and you cant go wrong. Good Luck!!! *I have always wanted to have a big family , but this is ridiculous. I meant having many members, not having big members. some of you should count as two. Normally I would not want to associate with anyone from my gene pool. Looking around me, I figure there has been entirely too much of that sort of thing already. But I need a kidney transplant real bad and matches are hard to find. Anyone need to make a few extra bucks? You get a free bed and a glass of orange juice thrown in. Speak to me after the orgy. When these classmates graduated from high school or college years ago, they wore different clothes, styled their hair differently and might have had funny nicknames. Talk about what was happening at that time in history. Who was president and what war was going on? What cars did high school students drive? How did people get to school? Reminisce about what government buildings, stores and shops were up then that have since been demolished or changed. What was going on in town? What laws were passed at that time? What changes for women were made? *Talk about how the changes and wisdom that the classmates have experienced through the years. Whatever mistakes or catastrophes happened, they made each individual who they are today. Read aloud excerpts from the old school newspapers (if possible) and remind the audience how young they were then, and what has since happened in the world to change how they view things and how the world has become a better place. *Oh, how I love family reunions! In fact, Ive done a few family invitation reunion letters myself, when the usual person in my family who handled it got sick. These are truly fun, memorable events in which a video camera is never scarce. In my family we generally rent a picnic area for the day and have at it. A really great template for an invitation letter and/or flyer is here: reunionking. com  Be sure to add some personal detail to it. You can also jazz it up with some colored paper! *Finding a sample of reunion letters online can be simple. Simply type reunion letters sample into any search engine. If one is looking to write a letter inviting everyone to a reunion finding the right wording can directly translate into attendance. Reunions can be fun and depending on the type and how long it has been they can be very interesting as well. For instance more people are more   likely to go to a 10 year reunion than a three-week reunion. For many, the allure of finding out what everyone has been up to can be downright thrilling. The letter and its wording are ultimately up to the letter-writer, of course, but there are a few standard items that the writer should strongly consider including in the letter. Remind the recipient of the happy times and fond memories that the class enjoyed while at school; this can help to warm the recipient towards coming to the reunion. Point out any notable activities that are going to take place at the reunion, especially if they involve notable alumni or classmates that are featured as keynote speakers or in other functions. Of course, the reunion letter should clearly describe the location and dates of the reunion, especially if the reunion does not take place on the schools grounds. The letter should also go over how the guests should send his or her reply, as well as how they can make reservations for hotel space or the reunion functions. If the reunion offers any sort of memory book or other memorabilia that non-attendees can order, include some information about this as well. It is also useful if the letter suggests that the recipient get in touch with fellow classmates to see if they plan to attend as well. This interpersonal communication can boost attendance; if reluctant alumni know that their good friends plan to attend the reunion, then they may choose to go and see their old friends again. For more information, please see: *A great idea for making a family reunion invitation is to simply use some construction paper and some markers. This is a great way to get kids involved also. You can also print them out from the computer a great web site to check out is  familycircle. com  they usually have some great idea for invitations. On the invitation you should include the date, place, time frame, if they are to bring a   covered dish and what kind of activities will be provided. Most family reunions are held in local parks where it is easy access for all member invited. You may also want to include an RSVP number so that people can call if they have any questions. If people are unfamiliar with the area the reunion is being held in offer directions from that persons home to the event. *The purpose of a notification letter is simply to inform others. This notification can be formal or informal, and it may relate to anything, from advising a credit card company that a payment is arriving late to telling team members that a future meeting has been canceled. As with any kind of letter, there are a few things that are always included. These items include the name and address of the sender and recipient, as well as the date. Next, the first paragraph of the letter should explain in straight-forward terms the purpose of the letter. Additional paragraphs can be used to provide more information. A good notification letter provides all relevant information to the situation and attempts to answer any of the recipients questions before they are asked. *African Americans have a long tradition of hosting family reunions. It is a great time of fun, food, fellowship and reminiscing. It is also a big income earner for suppliers of T-shirts, food, and souvenirs. The African American Genealogists at  reunions. afrigeneas. com  provides information to help to trace your genealogy. It also offers resources for organizing and planning reunions. Legendary Heritage Collection at its website at  lhh. fimark. et  offer comprehensive resources for planning African American family reunions for a price. *Family reunions can be a stressful time for any one. The constant worry if every one is going to get along with each other, the seating arrangements, if food will be served and what type, and etcetera. The person who coordinates their family reunion take on a huge task and feel as thoug h it is important to insure that every tiny detail is correct. Remember that there are likely to be small   children at the family reunion, and planning games and activities for younger children is an excellent way to keep them entertained while adults mingle. To begin a welcome speech for a family reunion make it fun and upbeat. Start out by thanking everyone for attending. If there is anyone that deserves a special mention it is always good to acknowledge them. Such people may include recent high school or college graduates, and/or marriages, anniversaries or baby announcements. Prior to the reunion, it is a good idea to contact several family members to get details about what is going on in their lives. Speaking with the elder family members to ask them to share stories or memories for every one to enjoy; this would especially be good for younger family members to hear. Family history and recalling events of another generation is always of interest and can be very entertaining. The younger children of the family could be to ask their parents and grandparents questions about how it was when they were little. Children always present what they know in an innocent, open manner. This is one of the easiest speeches to make because it is entertaining, is nostalgic and it means something to the people listening to it. Speaking from the heart makes stories more special and memorable, and adds an warm and fuzzy feeling throughout the family reunion. For more information, please see *When I think about family reunion souvenirs one thing stands out. Those 5 pounds I packed on due to the wonderful food! Wow, on a more serious note, consider photos. They are great for albums or scrapbooks. You could save the pictures on your computer and email them in bulk. Or you could have t-shirts printed. Reunionking. com/ is a site that may be of interest to you. *A family reunion is almost always a rewarding and memorable event. However, organizing and hosting a reunion may seem like a daunting task. It doesnt have to be ot in the Age of the Internet. The Internet can make reunion planning much easier. Here is a page of family reunion tips and ideas. *Whether your reunion is large or small, its nice to have a Welcoming address to kick the thing off. It doesnt have to be long 5 10 minutes unless you have a  really  good speaker in the family. Here are a few things you might put in a welcoming address Welcome everyone to the reunion, and t hank them for coming. Mention which different families (or family lines) are at the reunion. Give a general outline of the days (or weekends) festivities. Thank the people who helped put the reunion together. And of course, add a few well-placed jokes or inspirational thoughts. The Station Robert J. Hastings Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the windows, we drink in the passing scene of cars or nearby highways, Of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling meadows, of city sky liners and village halls. But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering waiting, waiting, waiting for the station. When we reach the station, that will be it we cry. When Im 18. When I buy a new 450SL Mercedes Benz! When I put the last kid through college. When I have paid off the mortgage! When I get a promotion. When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after . Sooner or later, we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us. Relish the moment is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. It isnt the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today. So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough. Inspirational Thoughts A Tribute to our Ancestors  © Roy Stockdill 1997 from Rhyming Relations: Genealogy in Verse THEY did not choose us, nor we them; we never knew them, nor they us; yet we are inextricably bound together for all eternity and there is no law in the universe, no metamorphosis physical or spiritual, that can ever alter this inalienable truth. OFTEN we may wish for different ones and feel moved to deny the ones we have, but this is as futile as it is foolish to invent spurious ones, for our deception will surely be unmasked, if not by others, ultimately by our own conscience. WE owe everything, our very existence, to our ancestors, and yet we know next to nothing of them because mostly their lives were so humbly recorded. It is good that we seek to expand our knowledge of their lives so that we may better understand our own. THEY made us, body and soul, and we must accept without complaint or rancor what they were and what we are, for nothing and no-one can ever change this fact and it is barren folly to dwell obsessively upon it. WE recognize that the legacy of genetic inheritance is a double-edged sword. We should be grateful for those gifts of personality and disposition our ancestors bestowed upon us which we find beneficial and not rail against those traits we find less appealing, for it is surely in our own hands to change them. WE should take pride in our ancestors and their achievements wherever possible, whether high-born or low, rich or poor, prince or pauper, and not seek arbitrarily to revile or condemn them for acts of which we know nothing of the causes. WE must learn from them, from their mistakes as well as their successes; from their tragedies as well as their triumphs; from their sins as well as their virtues; from their hopes as well as their fears.