Each year, The National Provisioner magazine inducts one food processor, one retailer and one food service establishment into the hamburger hall of fame. I couldn't make time to attend the ceremonies, but I was able to find a transcript of one of the acceptance speeches.
Inductee is standing at the podium waiting for the applause to die down.
Inductee: Thank you! Thank you so much! I'm humbled in your presence. Who ever would have thought that a guy from Storm Lake, Iowa would be standing up here before you today about to join the greatest hamburger people of all time? When you're a boy growing up you visualize this moment, but you never think it's possible. I want to thank ... ho, boy, where to begin? I want to thank National Provisioner for selecting me. All the great hamburger lovers out there. And most of all, a special heartfelt thank you to the cattle. I'd never be here today if it weren't for you guys! There's people out there called vegans who refuse to eat hamburgers. No, I'm serious. I'm not making this up. They don't like the idea of cattle getting slaughtered. But there's something these vegans don't understand. The cattle I know aren't content to spend their lives standing around in a field grazing. Unlike these vegans, cattle aspire to greatness. They want to become hamburgers. But not just any hamburger. They want to be the best damn hamburgers in the world. And you know what, fellows, it looks like your hard work and sacrifice has paid off. I'm the one up here getting inducted into the hamburger hall of fame, but you guys are with me in spirit, every one of you. I'm sorry, I'm getting a little weepy. It's just that I feel so much gratitude. Especially to you, Vernon. Vernon, he was my favorite. A big old black and white steer. I can see him now, tail twitching, big old round eyes staring at me. Old Vernon understood his calling. He walked right up and took the stun bolt to the brain without even blinking. Sniffle. I told myself I wouldn't do this. It's hard. These guys mean so much to me. I just want to say in closing the future of the hamburger is bright as ever. We've got a great new generation of cattle coming up, preparing themselves to become the finest ground beef in the world. Together we'll continue to make hamburgers that are deserving of this great honor bestowed upon us today. Thank you and God bless!
