Photo By Pfc. Brendan Roethel | Naval Hospital Beaufort holds the Black History Month Ceremony and Luncheon for the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Naval Hospital Beaufort hosted a Black History Month Ceremony and Luncheon for the Tri-Command, Feb. 28.
The event featured opening remarks by Capt. Anne Lear, the commanding officer of NHB, dramatic readers, guest speakers, African dances, songs, and food. Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time to recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.
The event grew out of “Negro History Week.” Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
"Given the reason we are celebrating, I think this is a fitting place to host the program," said Gunnery Sgt. Tamara McMillan, the equal opportunity representative for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. "After all, it was on these very grounds that the Battle of Beaufort took place during the Civil War, slaves were bought and sold, and men and women were segregated based on the color of their skin. Even the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation took place on these grounds in front of a unit comprised of escaped slaves. It was read in front of an oak tree, which still stands on the hospital grounds.”
The theme for this year’s African American History Month is Civil Rights In America, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
“I think it’s very important for us to start saying ‘let’s make a difference, let’s strive to change and not let the negative attitudes and comments be the only ones we hear,” said Capt. Rodney Daniels, the president for the Montford Point Association Beaufort Chapter. “Let’s strive to follow in the footsteps of the great men we are honoring here today and work toward a brighter future through educating our children and standing as positive role models for them.”
Speakers discussed continuing the works and visions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other black leaders, and the great strides made toward racial equality. Great African American leaders and service members that fought and even died to establish the diverse and distinct culture of today were also highlighted during the ceremony.
| Date Taken: | 03.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.07.2014 12:05 |
| Story ID: | 121671 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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