Photo By Sgt. Marcus Gable | Soldiers perform a tolerance skit during the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King...... read more read more
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By Pfc. M. Benjamin Gable
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – "A day on, not a day off" was the motto as Soldiers celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday with a morning fun run and a ceremony in the 1st Cavalry Division Chapel here Jan. 15.
The activities started with a morning two-mile run beginning at 6 a.m. and ended with a ceremony to honor Dr. King featuring guest speaker Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, deputy commanding general of support for Multi-National Division-Baghdad.
Dozens of troops met at the Scorpion Moral Welfare and Recreational Center where the race began. They stretched in the cool winter morning air, as the 1st Cavalry Division Band helped begin the race by playing numbers for the Soldiers at the starting line.
Prizes, including hats and T-shirts, were given for first place winners in the male and female run category as well as male and female walkers.
Later in the evening, the birthday observance moved to the chapel.
Troops from all services were in attendance for the celebration ceremony to honor former civil rights leader Dr. King's birth and legacy.
During the ceremony, MND-B Soldiers stood and recited the "I Have a Dream" speech given by Dr. King as he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 28, 1963. The Soldiers also offered a skit of tolerance for those in attendance.
The featured speaker of the ceremony, Brooks began his reflections noting this was a great opportunity to have an occasion to celebrate the life of Dr. King. He also said this was not a memorial service, but rather a celebration.
During the speech, Brooks spoke of how he was influenced as a child by the teachings of Dr. King. Brooks also shared observations of how we can apply Dr. King's hopes and dreams for a peaceful society to our everyday lives.
"Let's take his inspiration into our hearts and guide ourselves by the principles Dr. King spoke of," said Brooks.
Brooks also drew parallels between Dr. King's fight for civil rights and the fight service members are involved in today. He said while Dr. King may not agree with the war, he would be very proud of all of those serving their country. In his closing remarks, Brooks noted we have much to impart to the world. He said we cannot take for granted where we have come from, but to recognize how far we have come as Americans.
"My challenge to each one of you today", Brooks said as he closed his speech, "is to take into due consideration what Dr. King talked about. Be patient with the struggle for change, be persistent with the fight for justice, and don't ever give up."
| Date Taken: | 01.15.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 01.17.2007 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 8825 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 81 |
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