Tribute to the Armed Forces

Office of Military Affairs hosts time of appreciation for service members

honor — Several events took place during Military Emphasis Week in order to give recognition to past and present U.S. soldiers who have fought for America’s freedoms. Photo credit: Courtney Russo

Honor — Several events took place during Military Emphasis Week in order to give recognition to past and present U.S. soldiers who have fought for America’s freedoms. Photo credit: Courtney Russo

Liberty University held its yearly Military Emphasis Week (MEW) Nov. 3-11 to honor current members of the military as well as veterans.

The week kicked off Nov. 3 with the Military Night of Remembrance to honor military members who died in service.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Oliver North spoke during military Convocation about the definition of a true hero.

“Those with whom you keep company will define who you are,” North said. “Associate with those who serve others.”

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After Convocation, a Veterans’ Reception was held for Liberty students, staff and faculty who are currently serving in or who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Later in the day, retired Maj. Gen. Robert Dees held a book signing. Dees has written three books under the collective name “Resilience Trilogy” and is also the director of the Institute for Military Resilience at Liberty and associate vice president for military outreach.

The Office of Military Affairs and Army ROTC hosted a Military Tailgate before the football game against Monmouth Saturday, Nov. 8.

A Military Emphasis Week halftime at the Monmouth versus Liberty football game rivaled a Fourth of July event filled with patriotic music, flags and fireworks.

The celebration included traditions from past events, such as the medley of U.S. Armed Forces songs and recognition of each branch of service, the reenactment of the iconic scene from the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima and Charles Billingsley’s rendition of “God Bless the USA.”

The unfurling of a giant 50-by-150-foot flag underscored the event as a celebration to honor those who served.

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The George Rogers Freedom Award (See the Champion profile of Rogers from Nov. 4 edition) was presented to Oliver North. North gave his acceptance speech and, in turn, gave the honor back to Rogers. North explained that he heard Rogers say “the reason he survived four years in a prison of war camp and came out weighing 85 pounds was because his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wanted him to.” North said Rogers wore his faith unashamedly throughout his life and called him the example of a true hero.

The surprise highlight of the event was the participation of “The Boy from Omaha Beach.” While his video called “Project Vigil” played on the big screen, the real boy took to the field in the same attentive pose he held in the video. (See Project Vigil on Youtube.com.)

His salute to the soldiers who gave their last full measure of devotion received one of many standing ovations given during the halftime honoring the service and sacrifice of military men and women.

“Liberty University’s leadership has always supported setting aside a time of year to recognize the service and personal sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, paying special attention to the service members and veterans within the Liberty University community,” Emily Foutz, director of the Office of Military Affairs, said.

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Foutz said Dr. Will Honeycutt played a large role in getting Military Appreciation Day started. She said the Office of Military Affairs turned it into a week-long event in 2009.

New events were added this year to MEW, such as a Military Appreciation blood drive and Military Appreciation Day forum for online students, according to Foutz. She said this provides the opportunity for online students to participate in MEW.

The Office of Military Affairs has hosted MEW every year, honoring active duty and retired members of the military for their service to this nation. For more information on how they reach out to students, visit www.liberty.edu/online/military-students.

HUDSON is a news reporter.

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