As we honor the sacrifice and service of our men and women in uniform this Veterans Day, Anderson University President Evans Whitaker recently signed a proclamation designating Anderson University as a Purple Heart University and being established as a Military Friendly Spouse University.
The announcement was made November 7 during the Homecoming Football Game on Spero Financial Field at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium. Accompanying President Whitaker on the field was Anthony Peak, Capt. USA (Ret.), a Purple Heart Recipient of the Class of 2030, along with members of his family and members of the Purple Heart organization and others. Also unveiled was a new sign as well as an emblem recognizing Anderson University as a Purple Heart University.
This designation is part of the Purple Heart Trail, a national effort to honor the sacrifices of those who have received the Purple Heart Medal — men and women who paid a high price in defense of the freedoms and privileges we enjoy every day.
Anthony Peak, Capt. USA (Ret.) and Anderson University President Evans Whitaker sign a proclamation naming Anderson University as a Purple Heart University.
The proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas, Anderson University honors and supports our nation’s principles of freedom, justice and democracy, defended and protected throughout history by the courageous men and women of our armed forces; and
Whereas, the Purple Heart Medal, originally established as the Badge of Military Merit by President George Washington in 1782, serves as a symbol of sacrifice and bravery, recognizing military personnel who have been wounded or killed in combat while defending the United States; and
Whereas, Anderson University recognizes the importance of educating future generations about the significance of the Purple Heart, ensuring that the sacrifices of our veterans, especially those wounded in battle, are not forgotten; and
Whereas, the education of our students about the values of patriotism, courage and service is essential to cultivating a society that understands the costs of freedom and democracy, and acknowledges the vital role our service members have played; and
Whereas, South Carolina is proud to be home to many brave men and women who have earned the Purple Heart, and is therefore, fitting that Anderson University honor these veterans by fostering an environment of respect, understanding, and gratitude for those who have sacrificed in defense of our country;
Therefore, I, Evans P. Whitaker, President of Anderson University, and the Anderson University Board of Trust, hereby designate Anderson University as a Purple Heart University in recognition of our state’s Purple Heart recipients and their sacrifices, encourage all students, faculty and staff to participate in educational activities that honor the legacy of our nation’s heroes and foster a deeper understanding of the service and sacrifice that have secured our country’s freedoms.
Details can be found online at www.purpleheart.org.