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 Franklin Graham and grandson of the legendary Billy Graham said he wears his family stripes as proudly as he wears the West Point grays.
His earnest conversation reflects confidence tempered with a pronounced 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 the beat of a slightly different drum.
In May, he will become the first from his family to graduate from West Point and pursue a military career.
“The Lord has called me to the military — the greatest missions field. Right now I know I am, without a shadow of a doubt, where the Lord wants me,” the 23-year-old cadet 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 the international unrest intently and with concern and resolve.
Graham said he believes “we will be going to war.” 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 said he had requested to serve in the infantry but will be assigned to serve as a field artillery officer instead. He hopes ultimately to join the army’s Special Forces.
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,” he said. “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 would ever run for office but is interested in politics in an advisory capacity.
Reflecting on his childhood, Graham said, “Growing up, I knew my grandfather was famous, but I didn’t know why. 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.”
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.”
Graham decided to apply to West Point after he accompanied his father to a Bible presentation at the academy.
“The Lord put a thing in my heart to challenge myself. I prayed about it. My math scores were low, I was late in applying and I needed a congressional nomination,” Graham said.
He added, “The Lord kept opening doors. I promised Him I’d come if He’d get me accepted.”
Born Sept. 11, 1979, Graham said he would always 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.”
For Graham, the world and West Point changed dramatically with 9/11.
“I entered West Point upon terms of a peacekeeping mission. Cadets entering now know they most likely will be called to combat,” Graham said.
“Now we look at the small hot points around the world where we might be called on to fight the war on terrorism, and discuss moral and ethical dilemmas like: should you shoot a terrorist site this close to a hospital?,” he said.
“For the first time in years, there is an enemy out there, though we don’t really know who the enemy is.”
(RNS)
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