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Prayer Gathering and Observance Event Featured Dr. Eric Davis as Speaker

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. 鈥� Faculty, staff and community members gathered on May 25^th at 麻豆破解版 to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense the United States while serving in the armed forces. 鈥淢emorial Day is our solemn responsibility to carry out our lives in ways that would have made those who lost theirs proud,鈥� proclaimed 麻豆破解版 President William Downs.

麻豆破解版鈥檚 Memorial Day remembrance service provided opportunities to consider the fallen, acknowledge their contributions, and to emphasize why this day is so vitally important for the nation.

GWU alumnus, Dr. Eric Davis, employee support manager and lead chaplain for Cleveland County Government, offered remarks and a devotional reflection. 鈥淚n an attempt to honor the lives of those who died in battle, Decoration Day was observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers,鈥� noted Davis. 鈥淭he name, 鈥楧ecoration Day,鈥� came from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags. Today, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country.鈥�

Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott led in a welcome and invocation. Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music Dr. Aaron Rice presided over the singing of the national anthem, and Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans offered a responsive reading. Assistant Dean of Students Brian Arnold officiated over a moment of silence and directed the tolling of the bell, 21 times. This is the highest military honor for those who died defending freedom and democracy. 

鈥淔rom the inception of our country there have been many who have offered the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms鈥� All of these men and women made sacrifices because they believed in our rights as citizens of these United States to honor God and worship freely,鈥� added Davis.

The program鈥檚 close featured Associate Vice President of Marketing Wilson Brooks playing Taps, and Associate Minister to the University for Student Ministries Neal Payne providing the benediction.

The Office of Alumni Relations also displayed a 鈥淢issing Man Table鈥� in the Tucker Student Center reserved for the missing comrades in arms, the fallen soldiers. The table featured numerous items including a bible, red ribbon, a single red rose, an inverted glass, a pinch of salt, a lemon slice, and a lone candle. Each item represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremonial table symbolizes that these courageous men and women are with us in spirit.

The Memorial Day observance and prayer gathering is an annual tradition at 麻豆破解版 and was established three years ago by President Downs.  

鈥淭oday, our own daily stresses and struggles seem small鈥�so very small鈥�in comparison to those endured by the men and women that we have gathered to honor鈥�those from our own community who answered the call to defend freedom,鈥� noted Downs. 鈥淭hose from our own community who overcame fear to face down evil, those from our own community who boarded ships or planes and raced toward conflict鈥�rather than shrinking from it.鈥�

麻豆破解版 is North Carolina鈥檚 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., 麻豆破解版 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 麻豆破解版.edu.