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Oliver
North speaks on September 11 at
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University's "Rally for America"
was held on November 6 with special guest speaker Lt. Col. Oliver
North. Lt. Col. North's status as an American hero, combined
with his military insight and conservative views made him the
perfect speaker for the event that Indiana Wesleyan University
students organized to celebrate the unity Americans have experienced
since the terrorist attacks of September 11. The entire Marion
community was invited to the rally.
Indiana Wesleyan University senior Clark Vandeventer sent the
initial request to Lt. Col. North urging him to consider Indiana
Wesleyan University as a potential speech location. North had
received numerous speaking requests from groups and universities
in Indiana but chose Indiana Wesleyan University to be his sole
speaking location.
Mr. Vandeventer, Chairman of the Political Science Club at Indiana
Wesleyan University, hopes the rally was enlightening for those
who attended, especially students. "I hope this event struck
a spark in some people and will motivate students to get involved
in other events or want to know more about conservative ideas,"
Mr. Vandeventer said.
Indiana Wesleyan University junior Kristen Folsom was the other
half in the duo of student leaders who organized the "Rally
for America." Ms. Folsom is the Vice-Chairman of the College
Republicans at Indiana Wesleyan University, a group that exists
to promote conservative ideas on campus. She thought that the
event would be beneficial in raising awareness about political
issues. "You can't be a decent Christian and not be involved
in the world around you, especially when it comes to the law
and legal issues," Ms. Folsom said.
During the evening North praised President Bush for his response
to the tragedy facing our nation. "I have seen in George
W. Bush the same qualities as those in Reagan…I have concluded
that we have been blessed to have a leader who is undoubtedly
a believer," Lt. Col. North said.
While North was on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University
and in transit from the airport, North spent much of his time
with Vandeventer. Vandeventer recalled one particular question
North posed that still stands out in his mind, "He asked
me, 'Do you think it is by accident that this world leader has
been able to unite leaders of other nations to fight terrorism?'"
Overall, the evening was a salute to our nation and a demonstration
of American patriotism. At the close of North's very moving
speech the entire audience stood for a singing of "Proud
to be an American." With flags still waving, small children
clasped the hands of their parents who were beginning to have
tears form in the corners of their eyes.
When the evening was over, a new sense of joy and support for
our country filled the air and the hearts of those who participated.
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