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Story by: Sgt. Raymond T. Quintanilla
BASRAH, Iraq – The words of one of America’s prominent leaders in the civil rights movement still echo today around the world after more than four decades since he was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn., April 4, 1968.
His legacy, his dream, lives on.
On Jan. 15, service members and Defense Department civilians gathered at the chapel on Contingency Operating Base Basra, to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., world renowned leader of for the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s.
“He was much more than a clergyman, ” said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Lawton, the 36th Infantry Division’s equal opportunity non-commissioned officer-in-charge.
“He was a great leader, he lead millions [people] from all nationalities,” said Lawton, a native of New York City. “He was about equality amongst every race throughout the world."
Lawton said although discrimination still exists today, he feels King’s battles for desegregation and equality impacted today’s Army.
“The difference is in the structures,” said Lawton, “Look at our command now, we have a female colonel as chief of staff. In the past, it was hard for women to step into the ranks. In 2007, Command Sgt. Maj. Richard G. Vasquez became the first Latino Texas State command sergeant major.”
“And Barack Obama [an African-American] is the President of the United States,” Lawton added.
A linguist for the 36th Inf. Div., David Kareem said King’s influence stretches beyond the United States.
“The civil rights movement not only influenced the American society,” said Kareem, a native of Iraq. “Because of Dr. King, people throughout the world became more aware that democracy and human rights were the best way to live.”
Sgt. 1st Class Gary Thompson, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command non-commissioned officer-in-charge with 36th Inf. Div., said King had affected him personally.
“He gave me inspiration through his words, through his life, his legacy,” said Thompson, from Arlington, Texas. “The way he conducted his life, it was all inspirational for me.”
“To know in spite of where I grew up or the struggles I encounter,” explained Thompson. “I can continue to move forward. To persevere.”
He [King] still lives in every one of us in many ways, explained Lawton.
“In the Army, we want to lead from the front,” said Lawton. “Dr. King defined what a leader was; he’s that drum major in front of the band, leading the troops and setting the example. In the military, he’s that leader.”
A five-kilometer run in honor of Dr. King, held on a cold and foggy Sunday morning after his birthday, was orchestrated in partnership with the EO office by Chief Warrant Officer Lisa Buckley, a native of Corning, N.Y., and the property book officer for 36th Inf. Div.
For Buckley, the 36th Inf. Div.’s first running event was another way to honor King’s legacy.
“His whole intent was to bring people together, as a human race, without color or creed.” Buckley said. “This run is about different races, different branches. Togetherness, what he stood for.”
Lt. Cmdr. Gabriel Gammache, with the Navy Scan Eagle Unit, said the race was symbolic of who King was.
“It represents just that persistence [of] working towards a goal,” said Gammache, from Springfield, Va. “It also represents the ability to bring people together.”
Jan. 17 marks the 25th year of the official federal holiday observing King’s birthday, instituted by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
King delivered what become known as his “I have a dream” speech August 1963, in Washington D.C. with an audience of more than 250,000.
In 1964, 35-year-old King, a Southern Christian Baptist minister became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
In March 1965, he led the Selma-to-Montgomery March in Alabama, with a little more than 3,000 marchers protesting the discriminatory-voters-registration practices. Arriving at the Capitol five days later, the protestors grew to 25,000.
Five months later, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been etched in history and the equality of life enjoyed today by all Americans will always serve as a reminder of his selfless dedication for a better America.
“If he hadn’t done what he’s done, I wouldn’t be here talking to you right now,” Buckley said, as she looked toward Lawton. “I wouldn’t be allowed to. I wouldn’t serve in the same Army.”
Buckley continued, “In the Army, we are all one, all green. We are …all American.”
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2011 06:52 |
| Story ID: | 64047 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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