The literal flames (typically used at football games) surprised the approximately 35,000 guests during the keynote address from New York Giants running back and Liberty alumnus Rashad Jennings (’09). Prior to Jennings’ address, a string of surprise celebrity guests took the stage to stoke the embers and challenge the graduates to make their marks on the world. Guests included Willie Robertson from A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” as well as writer/director Randall Wallace (“Braveheart,” “We Were Soldiers,” “Heaven is for Real”), a native of Lynchburg. Wallace spoke about an upcoming project, “Hacksaw Ridge,” a faith-based World War II biopic about the life of another Lynchburg legend, Desmond T. Doss, a Congressional Medal of Honor war medic. Wallace then unveiled another surprise as he brought to the stage two co-laborers on the film: actor/director/producer Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn, one of the film’s stars. All three men talked about the power of Doss’ story and how impressed they are with Liberty, showing their appreciation for President Jerry Falwell and his family. Gibson also mentioned that he is planning a sequel to one of the most iconic Christian films ever made, “The Passion of the Christ.” The upcoming film will be about the Savior’s resurrection. As creators and portrayers of stories, Wallace, Vaughn, and Gibson charged the graduates to inspire others with stories from their own lives..