President Falwell used part of his address to honor the nation’s heroes — men and women who are serving or have served in the military as well as military spouses — and thank them for their sacrifice in preserving the freedoms Americans enjoy.

Over 5,800 Liberty graduates have military ties, nearly 1,400 of whom are on active duty. Liberty held a special ceremony to honor these graduates on Friday night.

As he saluted service members, Falwell recognized several veterans, including his uncle, Gene Falwell, the twin brother of Liberty’s founder Dr. Jerry Falwell. Falwell also thanked Purple Heart veteran Tim Lee, who spoke at Liberty’s Baccalaureate Service Friday night, for being a hero “not only to this nation but to this university as well.” Lee is a longtime Liberty Board of Trustees member and an evangelist who has impacted millions with the Gospel through his powerful testimony.

Another veteran with Liberty ties was World War II veteran and former POW George Rogers, who worked from 1974-99 as the university’s Chief Financial Officer. In recognition of Rogers’ service, Falwell presented him with an honorary Doctor of Business degree.

Five empty chairs draped in regalia served as a memorial to five individuals awarded posthumous degrees — Diana Kropp, Lindsay Margaret Lett, Hillary DiTommaso, and Danny Thomas. Another was asked to not be recognized publicly.

Two more honorary doctorates were presented to alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their respective careers. Penny Young Nance (’88), president and CEO of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest women’s public policy organization, was recognized for her longtime career as an advocate for Christian and family values with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Dean Parker (’97), a successful entrepreneur and corporate executive, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business degree.

Falwell also awarded Jennings an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree, recognizing Jennings’ leadership “both on the athletic field and through his philanthropic endeavors.”

At 31, Jennings, who only seven years ago celebrated his own graduation, is the youngest Commencement speaker in Liberty’s history. He is also a native of the Lynchburg area. It was symbolic of how far Jennings has come that he spoke to 2016 graduates from just beyond an end zone in the same stadium where he holds the touchdown record (read more about Jennings’ accomplishments).

Liberty University is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any military service.