On November 7, 2024, Steven J. Lund, the young men general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the 2024 Patriot Award in recognition of his dedication to the values of faith, leadership, and patriotism. The award was presented as a part of the Brigham Young University ROTC Presidential Review.
Before Lund was presented the award, the Air Force and Army ROTC cadets marched into Brigham Square, a quartet of cadets sang the national anthem, and BYU President C. Shane Reese shared a few remarks. He expressed his appreciation for the cadets, crediting them for their determination and grit, which he described as persisting through difficulty to achieve a high-priority goal, such as freedom. “The struggle and the sacrifice—all of this—is worth it, because ultimately, your efforts pay dividends to other people,” he explained. “It is for that sacrifice, for your sense of grit, that I, as president of Brigham Young University, express our gratitude.”
Lieutenant Colonel Travis Bailey, professor of military science, then explained that the Patriot Award is given to individuals whose service reflects the values that are instilled in BYU ROTC cadets. “President Lund has shown an unwavering commitment to uplifting others and serving with integrity,” Bailey described. “His life and work exemplify the values of faith, leadership, and patriotism, inspiring all who know him.”
President Lund joined the Army ROTC after returning home from his church mission to the Netherlands Amsterdam Mission and receiving the impression that he should delay his education to serve in the military. He served in the army for three years and would later serve as an area seventy, mission president, and coordinator of the Provo City Center Temple dedication committee.
After being presented with the Patriot Award in acknowledgement of his service, President Lund looked over the podium into the sea of cadets, reflecting on their significance and recalling his own military experience. “I’m proud of you, and I was proud to wear the uniform,” he began.
Wearing a uniform has been an indicator of commitment and unity in President Lund’s life—from his now familiar suit and tie to the singlet he wore on his high school wrestling team. “I would have felt ridiculous [wearing the uniform] anywhere except in a wrestling match. But there, I felt empowered, because I was a part of a team,” he explained.
Dressed in formal military attire, the Army and Air Force ROTC cadets represented a similar team to President Lund, who felt his army uniform held its own unique significance. “Wearing that uniform set me apart and gave me obligations and duties, not just to our country, not just to the Constitution, but to each other,” he said. For President Lund, the cadet’s uniforms symbolize a covenant each cadet will make upon commissioning: “When we swear to defend and protect our country . . . we make promises to look out for each other.”
He also described the potential he sees within the cadets, referencing church leaders’ teachings that today’s generation is blessed with extraordinary gifts and purpose to gather Israel. “Your military service will be as great as it can be under all of the measurements of military service, and that’s a lot,” President Lund explained. “But it can be amplified in ways that will carry you through the rest of your life with a sense of accomplishment for having been carriers of God’s banner.”
In closing, President Lund testified of the impact military service—both on the cadets and those they will serve: “I bear you my testimony at this time that as you serve as military members . . . it will be some of the most important times in your lives. I bear you my witness that as you go about the world, you as soldiers—soldiers of the covenant—are going to make a difference in the world.”
_____
Written by Nicholas Day