Photo By Master Sgt. Edward Daileg | Master Sgt. Donald Williams re-enacts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD - In 1963, the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech echoed across the Lincoln Memorial. Forty-eight years later the same words echoed through Hope Chapel on Camp Victory, Jan. 17.
Service members celebrated the great civil rights leader’s day with an observance hosted by Task Force 807th Medical Command.
The observance featured a praise dance performed by the Hope Chapel Praise Dance Team, and performances by the Believers in Christ Choral Group.
The TF 807th Med. highlighted the event with a re-enactment of King’s speech performed by Master Sgt. Donald Williams, non-commissioned officer- incharge of Future Operations, III Corps, United States Forces – Iraq.
Sgt. Maj. Colleen M. Shanklin, an equal opportunity advisor with TF 807th Med. said having a re-enactment speech was one of the best ways to capture the interest of the service members and educate them.
During his performance, Williams captivated the crowd as he delivered King’s words with emotion and passion.
After his performance the service members stood and applauded, showing their appreciation for his delivery of King’s speech.
“Master Sergeant Williams was the center of the observance today,” said Shanklin. “His re-enactment of the speeches moved the service members in attendance.”
“I felt like I was brought back in time,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Amenda Duplechan, a logistical specialist with Joint Task Force 1-174th Counter- Rocket, Artillery and Mortar.
“The re-enactment was moving and it created a different learning experience for me.”
The observance provided the opportunity for service members to
pause and reflect on King’s vision of equality for all people, regardless of their differences.
“Doctor King was all about everyone being treated with dignity and respect,” said Shanklin.
“It gave me a greater appreciation on how far Doctor King’s vision has become a reality in our society,” said Sgt. 1st Class Trina Tyus, senior paralegal for TF 807th Med.
Williams said the sacrifices of King mirror those that our service members are doing for the Iraqi people.
“The men and women of the armed forces have their share of sacrifices as we continue to assist the Iraqi people,” he said. “They are like Doctor King, dreamers that believe that their fight and struggle would be worth something that is greater than themselves.”
“As we approach some significant changes in our military, educating service members with observances like the Martin Luther King Day increases tolerances of differences and promotes dignity and respect among service members,” said Shanklin.
| Date Taken: | 01.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2011 09:18 |
| Story ID: | 64012 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Service members observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, by MSG Edward Daileg, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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