Lance Sijan

Lance Sijan was a soldier in the war to keep America free. He understood the importance of resisting communism and the threat it posed to freedom, faith, and human dignity. He knew that if the communists were not stopped, they would one day invade America, kill men, women, and children, and establish a communist regime in the US. This was the stated objective of the communists, and had been for decades.

Communism did not support freedom of the press or freedom of religion. Under communist rule, people were not permitted to freely believe in God. Those who opposed the government could face severe punishment, including death, forced removal to harsh living conditions, or enslavement in labor camps.

Communist rule did not honor freedom of the press or freedom of religion. People were not free to believe in God without fear. Those who opposed or conflicted with the government could face severe punishment, including death, forced separation from society, or enslavement in labor camps.

Guy Gruters saw this reality firsthand in North Vietnam. He lived in a communist country for more than five years, and he returned to America with a deeper understanding of freedom. It was a freedom he had not fully realized the value of until it had been taken from him.

Lance died, as did many other strong young men, for one reason: to keep America free. This is what our country stands for. A country that is free. A country that values freedom and is willing to fight for freedom, and in Lance’s case, even giving up one’s life so that others can live in freedom.

Let us all learn from Lance’s great example of heroic love. His sacrifice reflected the greatest love a person can show for another. There is no better word to describe it than heroic.