farewell address; valedictory speech
A formal speech given at a ceremony, typically by a representative, to bid farewell to those leaving (e.g., graduates). Often paired with 答辞 (response speech).
At the graduation ceremony, a representative of the underclassmen gave the farewell address.
Compound of 送 (sending off) and 辞 (words/speech). The reading is on'yomi, and the word is used in formal ceremonial contexts.