“Serve a cause greater than yourselves.”

That was the message that keynote speaker, Major General Arthur Bartell delivered to graduating Troy University students at their commencement ceremony Friday.

“What a glorious day to be an American and what a great day to be a Trojan,” he said.

Bartell, The commanding General of the Army Cadet Command at Fort Monroe, Va., told the graduates they had the opportunity to define Troy University as they moved on from the classroom. Service, he said, is imperative in ensuring the well being of the country.

“Our freedom is not inherited,” he said, “it is earned.”

Bartell encouraged the crowd that filled Trojan Arena to serve in areas such as the public sector, the military or the church, areas that help and assist other people.

“Work worth doing is something larger than self,” he said.

He urged those going into the private sector to work for noble causes in companies that benefit fellow humans.

Bartell has turned in his fair share of selfless service in his 30-plus years as a commissioned officer in U.S. Army.

Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. said Bartell is a “warrior,” who, “has seen combat and has prevailed.”