Maintain
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to keep up; to preserve to declare or affirm a point of view to be true
Example sentence: I think we have a duty to maintain the light of consciousness to make sure it continues into the future.
Uphold
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To hold up; to lift on high; to elevate.To keep erect; to support; to sustain; to keep from falling; to maintain.To support by approval or encouragement.
Example sentence: The absolute pacifist is a bad citizen; times come when force must be used to uphold right, justice and ideals.