Oliver North celebrates the real heroes during Convocation

Across monitors in Liberty University’s Vines Center on Wednesday, scenes from the front lines of battle served as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that men and women in uniform display every day.

With videos and images taken during his time reporting on the front lines for FOX News, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Oliver North painted a personal picture of America’s military — showing how it is made up of outstanding individuals who embody what it truly means to be a hero.

“A hero is a person who puts themselves at risk for the benefit of others,” North declared.

The midweek Convocation was part of the university’s annual Military Emphasis Week. Before the message, students joined in prayer, the singing of patriotic songs, and a moment of silence for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

North was joined by other honorable military guests onstage, including retired Chaplain Maj. Gen. Doug Carver, who opened the gathering in a word of prayer, as well as retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain Col. Steven Keith, dean of Liberty’s new Center for Chaplaincy, and retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Dees, director of Liberty’s Institute for Military Resilience and associate vice president for military outreach.

Liberty’s joint ROTC color guard ceremoniously posted the flags and led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during Wednesday’s Convocation.

Liberty’s joint ROTC color guard ceremoniously posted the flags and led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the crowd joined in singing the “Star Spangled Banner,” led by the Sounds of Liberty, the university’s flagship ministry team.

David Nasser, Liberty’s senior vice president for Spiritual Development, recognized the thousands of Liberty students who are protecting their nation’s freedom, as well as students who have family members in military service. He noted that some of Liberty’s own have paid the ultimate sacrifice, joining our nation’s fallen heroes.

Singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin, who led worship in Monday’s Convocation, returned to the stage on Wednesday to share a new song, “Hymn for America,” marking the first time he performed the song in public.

Nasser then introduced North, thanking him for serving our nation, championing liberty, and advocating for men and women in the armed forces.

North served for 22 years as a Marine and has been awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. He was the U.S. government’s counterterrorism coordinator on the National Security Council staff from 1983-86 and is the host of “War Stories with Oliver North,” an award-winning documentary series on the FOX News Channel. He is also a New York Times best-selling author of 14 books.

North is this year’s recipient of Liberty’s George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award, given annually to a veteran who displayed extraordinary heroism while serving. The award presentation will be among the special halftime events at Saturday’s Flames Football game.

In his Convocation message, North stood in defense of those who defend us every day. He noted the unfairly negative portrait that is often painted of the military by some members of the media, and even by some politicians. He said people need to see the reality — what he sees firsthand on a regular basis all around the world as he speaks with troops for FOX News — that these are men and women who voluntarily put others before self.

“I’ve got news for you,” North announced, speaking to the media, “you are dead wrong about those who serve in our military.”

He showed video clips that pointed to their bravery, sacrifice, and commitment. Amid scenes of firefights and explosions, one image showed a group of soldiers huddled together in prayer.

“I dare the American Civil Liberties Union to tell these government employees to stop praying on government time,” North said.

As a man who has spent his entire life in the company of “real heroes,” North said members of the U.S. military are some of the greatest role models.

To illustrate this, he showed a picture of a Marine carrying a wounded enemy soldier on his back out of a battle. When asked by media bystanders why he did this, the Marine responded, “It is the right thing to do. We are Americans, that’s what we do.”

North issued a twofold challenge to the students. First, to make sure that they are looking to worthy examples.

“Those with whom you keep company will define who you are,” he said, urging them to “associate with those who serve others, whether it is in battlefields or business or the pulpit.”

Then, North charged each individual to strive to be a role model.

“Being a role model is the most important thing you can be,” North said. “When you graduate … you are going to take with you the experience of the faculty and staff, the administration, the vision that made this university great, and you are going to be able to show someone else how to lead. You can’t just tell them, you have to show them. The only way to lead is by being up front. And the best way to lead is to set the example.”