Liberty University dedicated a full day of events to saluting military veterans and active service members on March 1 as the university served as a satellite location for the 2019 Conservative Political Action Conference.
The event was streamed live from the Vines Center. Segments were also streamed to CPAC’s main stage in Washington, D.C. CPAC is hosted by the American Conservative Union.
Local veterans were invited to join students, faculty, and staff for inspiring messages from our nation’s heroes and from avid supporters of our men and women in uniform.
Actor Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump”) was a keynote speaker and shared how he felt called to help the nation heal after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He began volunteering with the USO and visiting troops.
“I was fearful at this time that we would deploy our troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, and they would not feel appreciated,” said Sinise, who created the Gary Sinise Foundation to provide unique programs that strengthen and build the communities of defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. “It’s been a beautiful mission. It’s given my life great purpose and meaning to be able to use the success I’ve had in the movie and television business to do some good to help somebody else.”
Sgt. Edgar Harrell
Other inspiring speakers were WWII veteran Edgar Harrell, one of the few remaining survivors of the USS Indianapolis, and Col. Steve Chealander, who held the nuclear codes for President Ronald Reagan. Also in attendance was one of Liberty’s own, WWII POW George Rogers, a survivor of the Bataan Death March who later served for many years in Liberty’s administration.
David Jarrett, commander of the local Desmond T. Doss Memorial VFW Post 12179, said he enjoyed the event and is grateful for Liberty’s many efforts to support veterans.
“I think it’s imperative to have a voice in the community like Liberty,” he said. “They do so much to help veterans, like hosting the Veterans Day Parade or giving us a place to meet at times. It was a wonderful time here today.”
Other special CPAC guests included Donald Trump Jr., vice president of the Trump Organization; Kimberly Guilfoyle, vice chairwoman of America First Action; Charlie Kirk, founder and president of Turning Point USA; Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary; and Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. Guest panelists included Virginia Congressmen Ben Cline (R-6th) and Denver Riggleman (R-5th) and Liberty alumni who are active in supporting organizations that defend freedom.
President Jerry Falwell and Donald Trump Jr. speak at CPAC 2019.
Liberty President Jerry Falwell and his wife, Becki, also led a panel discussion on a wide range of issues, including the importance of defending the innocent and the unborn, protecting religious freedom, and providing equality and opportunity for all.
Vice President Mike Pence’s CPAC speech was broadcast to the Vines Center from Washington. It was during the speech that he announced he would be joining Liberty students in May as the Commencement speaker.
Watch segments from CPAC 2019 on Liberty’s YouTube channel.
