By Patriot Academy Alumnus Casey Lay
Continued from Part 1
Patriot Academy’s Amazing Speakers
Throughout the week, many speakers came to Austin and spoke to us on various topics- from what constitutes a prosperous economy, to the stories of famous historical figures such as Isaac Newton, to the evils of socialism.
I especially enjoyed historian David Barton’s speech about the history of science and other scientific figures. It set my heart at ease that I was not the only unwoke character who didn’t believe in man-made climate change. Not only was I not alone in my beliefs, David Barton had ample evidence to counteract the theory of man-made climate change, most of which I did not know about or had previously forgotten.
I was very interested to learn in his talk that some early scientists, such as Matthew Maury, made ground-breaking discoveries such as ocean currents because of what they had read in the Bible. It was also refreshing to see most of the Patriot Academy participants eagerly taking notes, discussing political and spiritual issues, and communing together. It wasn’t about who was conservative or who was progressive, it was about love of our country and dedication to preserving liberty.
Virtually every member had a strong Christian worldview, and everyone had a unique story to tell that uplifted and convicted me in different ways. I did not have to walk into a room, worrying who I might offend or who would accuse me of being bigoted or biased. Everyone welcomed me for who I was and sought my opinion, even when their opinion differed from mine.
Diversity of Thought, Unity in Principle
I had stimulating and thought-provoking conversations with many- from my group leaders, to fellow students, even with one of the guest speakers. They asked questions that went to the root of a principle or assumption; there are no surface questions at Patriot Academy. Though not everyone agreed on every single issue, everyone respected the others’ opinions.
There is something strangely unifying about a room full of informed, passionate students of one mind but not of one opinion chanting: “Socialism is bad, very, very bad.” It was then, of all moments, hearing the room say that, when I joined in, I realized that I felt a strong sense of belonging at Patriot Academy, one that I had not felt at other legislation camps I had attended.
If you decide to go to Patriot Academy, know that you will find diversity of thought, but never diversity of principle. Everyone is dedicated to upholding the biblical values of the Founding Fathers. Some may disagree on how many government regulations to have, but no matter your opinion or feeling of conscience, both will be respected.
Graduation – A Beautiful Event
Finally, the last day arrived, and the night that everyone had been talking about. Every member was dressed well, ready for the formal banquet and closing ceremony. A formal dinner was held for PA members and their families. My parents came, and I happily introduced them to my new-found friends and roommates. \
When the banquet ended, a veteran from Vietnam came and gave his testimony. I was moved by the fact that even someone who was elderly and had trouble getting around still took the time to come and speak to us as teenagers. Then, Rick Green got up on stage and told us that this was a solemn and historic occasion, for he was going to call on all of us to sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
He called on us not to sign out of a sense of obligation or pressure, but to sign because we did indeed feel called to pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor, as our Founding Fathers did before us.
No one uttered a sound. We all knew the seriousness of the moment and didn’t dare disrupt the silence. Once those who wished to sign had done so, the room went dark, except for a single candle in the middle of the room.
A Mortal Torch
Mr. Green told us that it was our sacred duty to keep the torch of freedom burning, and that God forbid that it was extinguished. As one voice, we sang “America the Beautiful” and Mr. Green passed the candle so that others could receive light. My heart was so moved, I sobbed as I touched my candle to another.
The only light in the room was the candles of Patriot Academy members. Though the room was not brightly lit, I could nonetheless see that if it had not been for the candles, all of us would be blanketed in darkness. As the light began to spread from candle to candle, I thought of the way the Founding Fathers had spread their ideals of liberty and freedom all across the country.
Like the candles that provided the only light in the room, the Founding Fathers’ ideals provided the only light of freedom in America when our nation most needed it. The torch of freedom was not immortal. It required someone to light it, and someone to keep it lit. It was easily extinguished. Yet, once lit, the torch would light the world.
I was similarly reminded of the Gospel, and of persecuted Christians from then and now who stood firm and spread the light of God to all the corners of the world. I felt that I had come so far in just one week. I had been challenged, convicted, welcomed, embraced, and frankly, transformed. From stress, a poor attitude, procrastination, and sometimes just plain hyperness, I emerged a warrior and a patriot.
It is my hope that all incoming freshman will have the same experience that I had.
Time for Your Week to Remember
If you decide to attend Patriot Academy, go, if nothing else, for the experience. Go to learn a lot and to gain more experience in leadership skills and legislative processes. Go to challenge your assumptions on political and historical points.
But most importantly, go because you will be united with a powerful, genuine, loving group of people who wish to transform you, both for the good of your character, and the good of this country.
You will be equipped to change the hearts of any who are willing to listen, and because of your experience at PA, you will be inspired to reach out in your community to stop laws that are morally wrong, or educate others on capitalist principles and why they work.
Go to Patriot Academy, because I guarantee you will have a week to remember.
