For research on service by LDS veterans in wartime
Brigham Young University professors Robert Freeman and Dennis Wright will be honored by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge with the George Washington Honor Medal for their research on service in wartime by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Since 2000, Freeman and Wright have documented stories of Latter-day Saint veterans from various wars in the 20th century, collecting more than 3,000 firsthand accounts. In addition, several books and documentaries have resulted from their research. Many of the accounts of these veterans are now housed in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections at BYU.
Through their research, Freeman and Wright gained insights into the impact of challenges of war on religious faith.
“Because our research includes the evaluation of spiritual perspectives in the wartime experiences of soldiers, it is unusual and sometimes sensitive,” Freeman said. “War presents a challenging context in which to understand the faith aspect of an individual’s life.”
The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge commends the efforts of individuals and entities across America who provide leadership in preserving the legacy of freedom in America. Previous award recipients include the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
For more information about the “Saints at War” research, contact Robert Freeman at (801) 422-2484, or visit www.saintsatwar.org.
Writer: Angela Fischer
