Charleston Southern University granted Purple Star School Award

(WCBD)– Charleston Southern University (CSU) held a special ceremony on Wednesday honoring military service men and women who put their lives on the line daily while remembering many people who made the ultimate sacrifice.

After over 40 years of CSU providing educational programs and aid to military families, the school was given a Purple Star School Award for countless services to those in need.

"Today, we were honored to proclaim Charleston Southern a Purple Heart University. We value our men and women in service currently and those who have been wounded and given the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said Keith Faulkner, the president of Charleston Southern University.

A purple heart marker was unveiled during the event, and several veterans spoke about their journeys in war and life after retirement. Several Purple Star recipients were also honored for their service. Some even were honored by becoming students at the university and their acts on campus.

One recipient said the event was special to him since he had already earned his Purple Heart in the war, but he said despite adding another award to his wall, watching families be honored and students engaged was the best feeling in the world.

"Today is a super beneficial day for me because I get to participate in it, but it's monumental, and all the people, all the places, and all the ways for the people that follow after me," said Marquis Henderson, a purple star recipient.

Leaders are reminding those interested in joining the military what you need to know before enlisting.

"The world is big. See the world. Don't fishbowl yourself. Get in the big pond. There's a lot of fish to swim around, meet people, network, and most importantly, serve God and stay safe," said Christopher Brabham, the Student Veterans of America president at CSU.

To learn more on how you can get involved with military services offered by CSU, click the link below: