Gardner-Webb University Hosts Annual Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11

Purple Heart Recipient and Pastor, Cpl. Brandon Blair, Speaks on Sacrifice and Surrender

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cpl. Brandon Blair, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior pastor of Langston Baptist Church in Conway, S.C., spoke at Gardner-Webb University’s Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11. Gardner-Webb hosts the annual celebration of Veterans Day to honor students, alumni and friends of the University who answered the call to serve their country—in war and in peace—through a branch of the U.S. military.

To begin the service, the Gardner-Webb ROTC presented the colors. Junior Lindy Bryson sang the national anthem, and senior ROTC Cadet Silas Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.

In his welcome and invocation, Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs gave the history of the nation’s recognition of military veterans. The observance dates back to 1919, when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as “Armistice Day” to commemorate the month (11th), day (11th) and time (11 a.m.) in 1918 when fighting ended in World War I.  On that date, U.S. and allied forces emerged victorious in a conflict once deemed “the war to end all wars.” Later, on Nov. 11, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day and proclaimed it as a national holiday.

Downs observed, “Today, we gather in this chapel on the campus of our beloved University in the heart of this great college town to celebrate and honor our veterans—the men and the women who have served their country during times of war and during times of peace as members of the United States Armed Forces. And in this chapel where so many have heard and answered God’s call, we turn our attention to all those who have heard and honorably answered a different call, a call of duty, a call of service to our nation.”

Downs asked the veterans in attendance to stand and be recognized. They stood to the applause of the audience. Downs gave the invocation, which was followed by a scripture reading from 2 Samuel 22:1-4 by Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans, who served as second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott introduced the speaker. A Purple Heart recipient, Blair fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), completing two full combat tours. He attended Southeastern and Fruitland Baptist Bible College for biblical studies. Blair and his wife, Tristan, have three children, Southern, Willow, and Gunner.

Blair noted that both a soldier and a Christian are called to sacrifice and surrender their lives. He stated that in the Bible, Jesus instructs his disciples to pick up their crosses and lay down their lives. “If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, what are you willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ?” Blair asked. “I found that people are willing to sacrifice if it’s worth it to do. Men and women in uniform are willing to lay down their lives because it is worth it to them. God gave his only son Jesus to die on the cross willingly for the sins of man, because it was worth it to him. Jesus willingly laid down his life on the cross because you were worth it to him. Is it worth it to you to follow Jesus with all of your life?”

He was alone in a hospital room when he answered that question and surrendered his life to serve God. Blair had survived a near fatal wound on Aug. 16, 2006, while fighting in Fallujah, Iraq. An enemy sniper shot him in the chest with armor-piercing rounds that have the ability to go through armored vehicles. “I am a walking, talking miracle … God spared my life,” he affirmed. “I told God that day that if he would save my life, I would change my life. I would lay down my life for him. I thank God that the military gave me a Purple Heart. Thank the Lord; he gave me a brand, new life.”

To end the service, Bryson sang “America the Beautiful,” and Parrott gave the closing prayer.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.