Center for Peace and Valor

Like its founder, Sgt. Alvin York, the Sgt. York Center for Peace and Valor will serve to promote the values and the qualities of courage, sacrifice, patriotism and peace through increased awareness, education, behavior and example.

This building represents what one man hoped to give the world — an opportunity to be made better by those who are provided the opportunity to make it so. This building — this project — is our opportunity to do the same.

Sgt. York

Sgt. York’s true legacy is a lesson in life lived with purpose.

It is…: Love as a matter of principle; Service as a matter of duty; Peace as a matter of the highest calling; Acting so as to make the world a better place

The Sgt. York Center for Peace and Valor will be a multi-use facility in support of higher education, arts and cultural development, veterans’ recognition/ outreach/support, and Peace and Valor programming.

The center will provide space for symposiums, conferences, lecture series, certificate programs, speaker series, fine arts performances and distance learning opportunities through national and international partners supporting the founding principles.

Founding Principles

Principles...

Courage
We embrace the indomitable courage demonstrated by the recipients of America’s highest military honor for valor as an ideal that should endure in all ways of life. Doing the right thing when faced with danger or difficult decisions is the hallmark of the Medal of Honor, and can be done in everyday life as well as on the battlefield.

Sacrifice
We support sacrifice and service above self as principles all should strive for as free people of the world. Upholding sacrifice and service above self is a guiding principle for all free peoples.

Patriotism
We promote love of country and are committed to support and defend the freedoms we enjoy. Devoting our loyalty to our nation and educating others are essential to a lasting, unified peace.

Citizenship
Inspiring all to be involved in their community, respect others, show compassion and assume personal responsibility, we believe that our destiny lies in our youth, and we are committed to them in the belief that ordinary people have the potential to challenge fate and change the course of history.

Integrity
Being honest and having strong moral principles come from a personal choice to hold oneself to consistent ethical standards, and it’s a choice we can all make. We believe that the mark of a true hero is to have the moral courage to do what needs to be done because it is the right thing to do.

Commitment
We steadfastly support the valiant men and women who serve their country in the same spirit of commitment and sacrifice as those who preceded them. Dedicating time, energy and resources to and for others results in stronger communities and a country that is the example for the rest of the world.

Framing Principles

Principles...

To sponsor, support, educate and encourage people, organizations and institutions toward creating and maintaining open dialogue and positive working relationships between themselves and each other on behalf of inclusivity, civility, fairness and kindness to one’s fellow person.

To encourage youth by providing education in leadership, community, communication and conflict resolution.

To encourage all people toward recognition and acceptance of differences where the concepts of sex, gender, race, religion, nationality, code, creed and political bent are ultimately lesser defining terms than the concepts of citizen, neighbor, friend, community and fellow person.

To provide a forum, founded on the principles of Peace and Valor, that represents inclusivity and moral courage, a working expression that welcomes opposing viewpoints toward creation of open and respectful dialogue with a focus on empowerment of those who might otherwise be prevented from making a contribution.

The Sgt. York Center for Peace and Valor will be a multi-use facility in support of higher education, arts and cultural development, veterans recognition/outreach/support, and Peace and Valor programming.