Photo By Tech. Sgt. Areca Wilson | U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Underwood II, 633rd Air Base Wing chaplain, performs...... read more read more
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LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. – The Langley African-American Heritage Council hosted a ceremony in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Langley Air Force Base theatre Jan. 17.
"It is important to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day because it marks the major impact made by a significant activist in the African-American Civil Rights Movement," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tanesha Allen, 439th Supply Chain Operations Squadron specials stock control supervisor. "Dr. King combated segregation and racial inequality without using violence."
King inspired Americans to accept their differences, which increased the spread of and acceptance throughout the entire nation. This is especially important to military members, as diversity is promoted throughout all branches, said Allen.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Simone Stewart, 439th Supply Chain Operations Squadron Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance weapon systems manager, also agreed celebrating King's life and sacrifices is valuable.
"Martin Luther King Jr. Day represents not only the life of a great man, but the spirit in which he lived that life and the life that he wanted not only for African-Americans, but all people," said Stewart. "His message of freedom, equality and nonviolent activism transcended more than one nation; Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also observed in other countries such as Japan and Canada. “
In addition to the ceremony, a luncheon will be held Feb. 28 to honor King, and other civil rights-era African Americans, as part of Black History Month, at the Bayview Commonwealth Center at Langley.
"I hope, through these events, we are able to enlighten those among us of the importance of diversity, equality and nonviolence," said Allen.
While Stewart also hopes to educate others, she encourages service members to remember the trials King endured as they continue to defend America's freedom.
"I hope we are able to provide our military community with an awareness of who Dr. King was, what he stood for and to instill an appreciation for his trials, his endurance, his dream, and ultimately his sacrifice," said Stewart. "Never forget his dream as we all are faced with challenges, obstacles and roadblocks. We share the challenge of defending our great nation from the enemies who seek to destroy the freedoms Dr. King fought for.”
Stewart also suggested King may serve as a beacon to service members as they serve to protect the United States.
“His resiliency, hope, dream and sacrifice should serve as an example for the men and women who serve our great nation.”
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2014 10:26 |
| Story ID: | 119700 |
| Location: | LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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