Luke Zamperini, Sharing The Story of Forgiveness With a New Generation
An incredibly powerful part of our outreach is the opportunity to share Louis’ miraculous story of survival, resilience and redemption. As Louis’ son, Luke Zamperini has a unique perspective on what made his dad such an extraordinary person, and is able to convey in terms relatable to today’s youth the power of forgiveness. Both Luke and his son Clay have had the privilege of sharing this amazing story with at-risk youth. Today, Luke continues speaking across the country.
““Sunburst has had the privilege of having the Zamperini’s share the story of Louis Zamperini’s resiliency and perseverance in the face of severe adversity for the last several classes of cadets. Most of our students have their own stories full of abuse, neglect, emotional trauma, and sexual exploitation which have led them to school failure, shattered self-esteem, and absence of hope.. It is a gift for them to hear the story of how someone survived something as horrendous as Louis Zamperini and be able to read the story through the book Unbroken.”
Deni Baughn, School Principal at Sunburst Youth Academy”
Today, Luke continues to tell the story of his father in many venues and settings. Whether speaking to schools, camps, correctional facilities, churches or businesses, the story continues to be told with detail and insight that can only come from a lifelong relationship with the ‘Great Zamperini.’
"Young people see my grandfather as a role model—an ordinary man with an extraordinary ability to persevere—and it is remarkable to see firsthand the power that his story has on young people. Being able to relay the lessons he taught me in a tangible way and see kids open their hearts to it is the greatest joy I could imagine," Clay Zamperini
"One of the great pleasures of my life has been to accompany my father on hundreds of speaking engagements over the span of my lifetime. This experience has made me an expert and authority on his life story. In recent years as he began to be too old to travel I was honored to pick up the mantle and fulfill his speaking itinerary across the county and across the world." Luke Zamperini
Luke Zamperini addressing a group of at-risk youth at Ventura County Correctional Facility. Ventura County, CA
Luke Zamperini and wife Lisa, with Sunburst Youth Academy Spring Graduating Class.
