Photo By Sgt. Michael West | Soldiers, civilians and family members observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Fort...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – Soldiers, civilians and family members observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Fort Bliss Centennial Banquet and Conference Center Jan. 22.
2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division hosted this year’s observance.
Col. Chad C. Chalfont, 2ABCT commander, opened the ceremony and introduced the guest speaker.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is widely regarded as America’s preeminent advocate of nonviolence and a pivotal leader of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Chalfont. “Up front, it is worth highlighting just how central Dr. King’s own thinking and use of non-violent tactics were in bringing change to this country. A change that forced this country of ours better. And a change that moved this country toward recognizing the freedoms and inalienable rights that its citizens deserve.”
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Diane E. Williams was the guest speaker for the event.
Williams talked about what she believed Dr. King would want to convey to us and what actions he would want us to take.
“If Dr. King were alive today, I believe his message to us would be a call for action through mentorship,” said Williams. “Webster defines mentor as a wise, loyal advisor. I define mentor as anyone who shapes your philosophy, encourages and motivates you. Think of the person or people who shined renewed hope into your life when you needed it the most.”
Williams went on to talk about the four figures that played an immense role in shaping his views and ultimately playing a major role in Dr. King’s life and empowering him to take a non-violent stance during the Civil Rights Movement.
“The critical skills needed for the competitive workforce of tomorrow and to solve the complicated problems of today, rest in our ability to both capture and motivate the next generation of activists and leaders,” she said. “Sharing our wisdom by encouraging and honoring the talent of someone you believe, has unlimited potential. This is what I believe Dr. King would have expected of leaders and mentors.”
Pvt. Shamel Johnson, a Soldier with 2ABCT, Also, read the Presidential Proclamation designating January 21 as a Federal Holiday in remembrance of Dr. King’s dedication to service.
“Today, as we pause to mark the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we recommit ourselves to the advancement of equality and justice for all Americans, and to the full realization of his worthy dream,” said President Donald J. Trump.
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 01.26.2020 17:09 |
| Story ID: | 360414 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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