David Daniel impressed several local and state elected officials, veterans, and community members on Thursday with a heartfelt and compelling message. The recent Owensboro High School graduate and soon-to-be Harvard University freshman — without referencing any notes or cue cards — conveyed a tone of relentless optimism, offering a breath of fresh air amid the current state of federal politics.
“Do not fear for the future of this nation because I have seen firsthand the bright minds that are prepared to lead,” Daniel said, recounting his experience at Boys Nation, where he became the first-ever Kentuckian to be elected president.
When this generation of leaders passes the torch, the multiple officials who spoke Thursday at the event held at the American Legion expressed their satisfaction that Daniel would play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
Daniel first participated in Boys State while in high school, earning the title of Governor and becoming one of just two Kentuckians to qualify for Boys Nation. Each year, each state and Washington D.C. sends two delegates to the annual American Legion program.
It’s a week-long event in Washington, D.C., where young men entering their senior year of high school learn about the processes of the federal government. They establish a mock Senate and organize mock elections for President Pro Tempore, Senate Secretary, Vice President, and President.
Bill Clinton, Tom Brokaw, and Michael Jordan are just a few notable alumni of the program.
“In my participation in the many American Legion programs, the most important thing I have gained is perspective,” Daniel said. “I have shared rooms with young men who have lost more than I could ever know. I have worked to form legislation with delegates ready to set their lives towards a change they want to see in this world. And, I have gained insight into the toll that the hardships of war can reap.”
Daniel said he doesn’t come from a family of veterans and had little knowledge of the American Legion prior to the programs. Now, he refers to the organization as the scaffolding for supporting him during his journey of self-experience.
He expressed his appreciation to the Legion for their constant efforts to create a better tomorrow.
“It’s because of you that a young 18-year-old man from my Boys Nation class is currently running for his state legislature in New Hampshire,” Daniel said of the Legion. “It is because of you that a son of immigrant parents can go from being a leader in his home to a leader in his community. Because of you, young boys who never have a father discover they are capable.”
He continued to extend his gratitude to the group on a more personal level.
“And it is because of you that I have been able to achieve generationally defining opportunities for myself, my father, my mother, and my relatives who have come before me and will come after me.”
Next week, Daniel will travel to Washington, D.C., to counsel this year’s new Boys Nation Senators and pass the presidential torch to the next deserving candidate.
Daniel also recently claimed third place in the American Legion’s National Oratorical contest. He raised the question of what separates speaking from orating and cited the “tenacity of Churchill and the fervor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” as gleaming examples.
“An orator does not just speak; they ignite passion, they evoke emotion, and they inspire action,” he said.
In just 4 short minutes, Daniel transformed the banquet room at the American Legion into the White House press room, extending a message of confidence and hope.
Earlier in the evening, Daviess County Fiscal Court and Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen proclaimed July 11, 2024, as David Daniel Day.
At the American Legion, State Representatives D.J. Johnson and Suzanne Miles presented Daniel with a citation of achievement from the House of Representatives. Owensboro City Commissioners also presented Daniel with a medal and recognition.
Post 9 Commander Nick Hetman took great pleasure in introducing Daniel to the elected officials.
“I wanted these officials and others to witness first-hand what this man has to offer,” Hetman said. “Young men like this don’t come along very often. What he had to say and everything he does is always from the heart. I wanted to make sure the community knows who he is.”
A quick Google or YouTube search of Daniel will showcase some of his speeches from his experiences.
