Posted on 09/13/2004 6:20:47 AM PDT by Theodore R.
North offers faith-filled vision in time of war BY KATIE HEPBURN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Facing a full house at the Lubbock Municipal Auditorium, Oliver North delivered a message Sunday night designed to inspire faith in U.S. troops, faith in their Iraq mission and faith in God.
North, a former Marine colonel who also served in the National Security Council during Ronald Reagan's administration, was the featured speaker at "Faith & Freedom: Celebrating America's freedom with a message of hope." The event raised funds for My Father's House Living and Learning Center.
Currently, North hosts Fox News Channel's "War Stories."
North began his message by drawing parallels between the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"We saw the nation rallying together to fight a desperate enemy" in which victory was crucial for the United States' future, he said. "But unlike the war that my dad fought in, America has not pulled together like they did then."
North questioned those who criticize the length of time ongoing Operation Iraqi Freedom has taken, wondering what would have happened if dissenters called for Dwight Eisenhower's resignation during World War II because the war took too long to win.
North also sought to dispel notions that the U.S. military is filled with soldiers who could not do anything better with their lives. North said he has spent extensive time with soldiers in Iraq gathering information for his TV show and said "they are truly a remarkable group of young Americans."
"I hate war, but I love warriors," he said.
North shared a piece of wisdom a Marine gave him after witnessing the combat death of his gunnery sergeant, who North saw pray with his troops the day before.
"My gunny was a hero, not for the way he died, but for the way he lived,' " North quoted the Marine as saying.
Oliver North • Served 22 years as a U.S. Marine, receiving the Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.
• Speaker and author. His books, including two novels, were international bestsellers.
• Host of "War Stories" on Fox News Channel.
• Founder of Freedom Alliance, a foundation that provides scholarships for the sons and daughters of service members killed in action.
• Served in National Security Council Staff in the Reagan administration and was a central figure in the Iran-Contra scandal.
"That's what makes us so different from the other side," North said. He said the Bible shares words of love, while terrorists quote words of hatred.
"It's not about how to die; it's about how to live," he said. "Because in (the Bible), all the dying took place 2000 years ago on a hill called Calvary."
North said the troops he has encountered in Iraq steadfastly turn to the Bible in the face of daily perils.
"Stand by, because the warriors are coming home, and they're not afraid to say that that's their savior," North said, referring to Jesus.
North also showed uncensored footage his cameraman took of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines in combat Aug. 21 to show the audience the Marines' courage as they carried out their mission with precision. In addition, he showed slides of soldiers in everyday contact with the Iraqis, extolling the troops' compassion.
Brad Jurkovich, former senior pastor at Southcrest Baptist Church, was instrumental in bringing North to speak at the event.
"What I heard from this man was a message of hope," he told the audience before North took the stage, "and I thank God for a champion who can communicate that message."
Southcrest's Celebration Choir sang at the event, and District 17 Representative Randy Neugebauer led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
"Those of us who are Christians know that if you truly want to be free, you have to know the truth, for the truth will set you free," Neugebauer said.
katie.hepburn@lubbockonline.com
Every time I see Oliver on Fox War Stories I cannot help but think of all the Rats out there who hate him for getting away from them in the Reagan Administration hearings.
book mared for later
May God Bless Oliver North.
Former Marine Lieutenant Colonel.
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