President’s Post – Recognizing our freedom
Liberty University has always been a champion for our military service members since its founding. We recognize our freedom came through the selfless sacrifice of our men on the battlefield. Our veterans put their lives in harm’s way for the sake of our country and for the sake of freedom.
Some may not know this, but Liberty University is the first Purple Heart University in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We pride ourselves in showing honor to those who were wounded, recognizing the historic badge that Gen. George Washington first created in the American Revolution as the badge of merit in the field of battle.
Today is one of the most significant days in our nation’s history. What is today? Today is Election Day in what could be one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. It is not too late for any one of our students to make a difference in our country and let their voice and their vote be heard.
I am not going to tell you how to vote or who to vote for, but I will make two appeals to why you should vote in this election.
The first is quite simple. It is the stewardship of every Christian to vote as the ultimate expression of our love for God and our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-38). It has been said often, and bears repeating, that the reason elections matter is because policies matter. And policies matter because people matter to God. When you vote, you are impacting what policies affect everyone around you. Do not miss your opportunity.
The second reason is also straightforward. Our veterans bled for this freedom. Many did not ever return home from foreign battlefields, but they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). It is because of their sacrifice that we have the opportunity to exercise our freedom to vote. Voting is perhaps the greatest opportunity and the greatest responsibility. Our vote has already been paid for and should never be taken for granted.
Because of that sacrifice, please take a moment to honor and observe Veterans Day this week and join the services celebrating veterans throughout
the month.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who led one of the greatest military campaigns in world history during World War II, said of Veterans Day, “On that day, let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
I believe that so much of our freedom is taken for granted in America today because we do not take enough time to observe the cost of that freedom.
What can “Champions for Christ” do to observe Veterans Day this week?
First, take this time to thank a veteran or active service member. Gratitude and thankfulness are the marks of a mature follower of Christ.
Second, support a veteran family or organizations devoted to the care and concern of veterans. Many combat veterans who return home will never be the same because of what they experienced on the battlefield. Their wounds remain. As Christians, we should show exemplary care and devotion to others.
Third, be a good citizen. How? Go vote and participate in your civic responsibility. Steward the freedoms and blessings entrusted to you. Veterans paid for that. Don’t let that opportunity go to waste. Be a good citizen.
Prevo is the Interim President of Liberty University