March 17, 2003
Graham's grandson salutes his military calling
___By Marcia Davis
___Religion News Service
___WEST POINT (RNS)--Three decades ago, West Point awarded Billy Graham its highest civilian honor--the Sylvanus Thayer Award. Today, the evangelist's grandson Edward Graham looks forward to his West Point graduation and a military commission for active duty at a time when war seems imminent.
___The third son of evangelist Frank-lin Graham and grandson of the legendary Billy Graham said he wears his family stripes as proudly as he wears the West Point grays.
Edward Graham
___His earnest conversation reflects confidence tempered with humility, strong convictions and a deep faith in God.
___The cadet said walking in and around the Graham footsteps is a compelling challenge that keeps him accountable as he marches to a slightly different drumbeat. In May, he will be the first of his family to graduate from West Point and pursue a military career.
___"The Lord has called me to the military--the greatest mission field. Right now I know I am, without a shadow of a doubt, where the Lord wants me," the 23-year-old said.
___"I feel the Lord has given me an unbelievable opportunity to lead troops and to profess his name throughout the world, and that is an opportunity I do not want to waste."
___With his next five years committed to military service, the cadet eyes international unrest intently and with concern and resolve.
___Graham said he believes "we will be going to war," and President Bush is leading the country in the right direction. He said his faith and the prayer support of family and friends bolster him in the face of it.
___Upon graduation, Graham will receive a commission as a second lieutenant and after a 60-day leave report to Fort Sill, Okla., for training. He requested to serve in the infantry but will be assigned to serve as a field artillery officer instead. He hopes ultimately to join thearmy's Special Forces.
EDWARD GRAHAM, grandson of evangelist Billy Graham, sees his upcoming military commission as "an unbelievable opportunity to lead troops and profess (God's) name." (RNS Photo)
___Graham said he doesn't see wartime military duty posing a conflict with his religious beliefs. "The Lord blessed soldiers in combat in the Bible. Look at David and Joshua. If I am called tomorrow, I would go gladly."
___Often teased by his father about going into politics because of his degree major--international relations--he said he isn't sure he ever would run for office because of the hardship on families but is interested in politics in an advisory capacity.
___Graham said his role models include Dwight Eisenhower, whom he describes as a good friend of his grandfather's and a man of faith.
___"I admire President Bush and that he is so open about his faith. My father and he were sued, you know, because he let my father pray at the inaugural, 'in Jesus' name.' I consider it a blessing that my commander-in-chief will put everything at the cross, and, before he puts my life in question, he is asking God for guidance," he said. "The fact that he is criticized pains me, but at the same time, it gives me strength and hope."
___Today, he knows fully the heritage of his family name.
___"While other Christian leaders have fallen by the wayside, my grandfather is so respected. It's hard to live up to, but something worth living up to. The Lord blessed me with such a wonderful grandfather, and same with my dad. I'm very proud of my father," Graham said. "As a kid, I was often called names because of who my family is, but I have never been ashamed."
___He described his father as "firm in his beliefs" and acknowledged he often is asked to comment on his father's words and actions--like when Franklin Graham's statements regarding Islam drew public outcry last year.
___"My father is a preacher, not a politician, and he's not really expected to be politically correct," the son said. "I expect anyone of religious faith to preach what they believe."
___As a soldier, the cadet said, he would be serving alongside Muslim soldiers.
___"It is not my place to criticize them. I have never had a hard time with them, never met a cadet that hates Islam or Muslims or the Islamic faith. A lot of hatred and intolerance stems from the Middle East toward Americans. If we start speaking from hatred about the Middle East, we are just as guilty.
___"My father loves a person of Islamic faith as much as he loves a Christian and will work for both of them. My father doesn't choose sides when working with people, but in faith he does," he said.
___When life gets difficult, Graham said he turns to the biblical book of James for encouragement, especially James 1:5-6, which speaks of seeking wisdom from God.
___"My mother often gave me this verse my plebe (freshman) year when I thought I was going to fail out. I often had to ask God for help when I had reached my own limitations, and every time the Lord delivered me."
___Born Sept. 11, 1979, Graham said he always will hold the remembrance of that day in 2001 as a reminder of why he has chosen a military career.
___"I pray to God that I never have to go to war, but 9/11 made me, like I think most Americans, willing to do so."
___
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