Photo By Master Sgt. Brock Jones | Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Bishop, a native of New Albany, Ind., who serves in the network and...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Brock Jones
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – At the age of 39, Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was cut short by an assasin's bullet. At the very moment that his life was ending, his legacy was cementing itself into the hearts and minds of freedom-loving Americans and others around the world.
King's life and legacy were remembered by Soldiers and other service members and civilians serving with Multi-National Division – Baghdad during the MND-B Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday commemoration at the division chapel, Jan. 19.
"Dr. King didn't live a long life but his impact has been profound and lasting," said 1st Lt. Angel Richardson, master of ceremonies for the celebration, who serves with 926th Engineer Brigade, MND-B. "The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday commemorates the life and legacy of a man who helped to re-awaken America's consciousness."
The commemoration lauded King's life, mourned his death and looked forward to continued progress in issues of race, religion and freedom, all themes that King lived and preached.
"Tonight I thought it would be good to spend some time examining the theme of every Martin Luther King birthday commemoration," said Maj. Pete Stanonik, a native of Waukegan, Ill., who serves as equal opportunity program manager, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, and was the guest speaker at the event. "The theme is 'Remember, Celebrate, Act: A day on, not a day off.'"
During his speech, Stanonik recounted personal experiences dealing with each of the aspects of the theme and ended with a look to the future.
"Tomorrow, our nation will swear-in our first African-American president. In less than two weeks, Iraqis will go to the polls to participate in free and fair elections," he said. "And in the not-too-distant-future, most of you will be back in the United States - just a few more "days on, not days off' to go," he said.
"But in the end, [we'll all have] a mountain of memories to celebrate, a brighter future in which to act."
The commemoration held special importance to Soldiers serving far from America whose earnest goal is to bring a greater portion of equality to the citizens of Iraq.
"I am sure that Dr. Martin Luther King would not say today is about him. It's about embracing diversity where people of different colors and creeds can come together and to celebrate life," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, commanding general of 926th Eng. Bde., MND-B. "That's what it's about here in Iraq. It's about celebrating life. It's about empowering the government of Iraq to help themselves to help their people and to reconcile [their] differences...and come together regardless of color and creed."
The commemoration was highlighted by the singing of the National Anthem and "Precious Lord," Dr. King's favorite gospel hymn, a recitation of King's most famous speech, "I Have a Dream," and a video that combined photos and video of King's life intermixed with photos of Soldiers in Iraq.
| Date Taken: | 01.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.20.2009 12:38 |
| Story ID: | 29059 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 171 |
| Downloads: | 156 |
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