Gardner-Webb University will Celebrate Veterans Day with Service on Nov. 11

The Featured Speaker is Purple Heart Recipient and Pastor, Cpl. Brandon Blair

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will host a Veterans Day Service on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. The featured speaker is Cpl. Brandon Blair, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior pastor of Langston Baptist Church in Conway, S.C.  The service is open to the campus community and to the public.

The nation’s recognition of military veterans 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.

Gardner-Webb hosts an 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.

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs will provide greetings and give the invocation.

“We all owe a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces who have kept our country safe,” shared Downs. “I am proud to be at a university where we take time to acknowledge our veterans and to thank them for their service. Each year this service gives us a chance to reflect on such core values as duty, bravery, and sacrifice. I invite local veterans to attend so that we may share our appreciation.”

Addressing veterans and all those in attendance at the GWU service will be Blair, who served in the Marine Corps infantry as a machine gunner. Blair fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), completing two full combat tours. On Aug. 16, 2006, while fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, Blair earned the Purple Heart, awarded for wounds received in battle. He attended Southeastern and Fruitland Baptist Bible College for biblical studies. Blair and his wife, Tristan, have three children, Southern, Willow, and Gunner.

The service will begin with the Gardner-Webb ROTC presenting the colors. Junior Lindy Bryson will sing the national anthem, and senior ROTC Cadet Silas Williams will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans, who served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, will read the scripture from 2 Samuel 22:1-4.

After Blair’s message, Bryson will sing “America the Beautiful,” and Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president and University chaplain for Christian Life and Service, will say the closing prayer.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

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.