On Sunday, July 10, Michelle Mayans of locally-based Kid Scoop Media and 11-year-old “scooper,” Lizbeth Navar, stood beside local and international media, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their royal highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at Sony Pictures Studios for a veterans job fair event.
Navar spoke to veterans, anxious to find work as civilians and begin a new chapter in their lives. All expressed gratitude for the participation and collaboration between Service Nation: Mission Serve and the foundation of princes William and Harry, whose focus has been to integrate former service men and women into civilian life.
The Mission Serve job fair took place inside the famous Sound Stage 15, where the MGM classic The Wizard of Oz was shot more than 70 years ago. The stage was decorated with the red, white and blue flags of both nations.
The royals arrived to a rock star welcome. Blasting on the speakers was a slice of Americana as Van Halen’s Right Now piped out as the royals were greeted. Prince William eventually took the podium and began by saying, “This is our last stop on our tour of North America but to my mind it is seriously one of the most important. This is because it is about men and women who of their own free will choose to put their lives on the line for their country.” He continued, “It’s also about our other halves – the half that makes their loved one’s duty and sacrifices possible and worthwhile.”
The crowds cheered with great enthusiasm as the cameras clicked.
The exciting day was an anglophile’s dream, but also encouraging to see the work being done by our two nations to support veterans and the challenges they face upon leaving active duty.
Kidscoop is always looking for young “scoopers.” If interested, contact Michelle at Kidscoopmedia@gmail.com.