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    Runners celebrate birthday of civil rights leader

    Runners celebrate birthday of civil rights leader

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kristina Scott | Service members from all branches of the military and civilians run side-by-side...... read more read more

    BAGHDAD — "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," wrote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in a letter to his fellow clergymen as he sat in a Birmingham, Ala., jail cell during the spring of 1963.

    Forty-seven years later, King's observation still rings true — especially to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and civilians stationed in Baghdad who recently accepted the challenge of running 6.2 miles.

    The Martin Luther King Jr., 10k Holiday Run, conducted on the anniversary of King's birth date, Jan. 15, was sponsored and organized by the U.S. Division—Center Equal Opportunity office, in conjunction with Soldiers of 16th Engineer Brigade. The division Morale, Welfare and Recreation office and United Service Organizations also lent a hand, said Lt. Col. Jane Lengle, the equal opportunity representative for 16th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Division—Center.

    The purpose of the run was to recognize the contributions made by King by celebrating his birthday in a manner that is familiar to military members.

    "It helps us focus on the true contribution of Dr. King," said Lengle. "It gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate our diversity as individuals and as a military team."

    "We're celebrating the dreams and legacy of Dr. King by bringing everyone together for one purpose," said Capt. Summer Favors, a Columbus, Ohio, native, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 16th Eng. Bde., U.S. Division—Center.

    Others saw the run as a means for team building.

    "Running pulls us all together," said 1st Sgt. Michael Strate, the senior non-commissioned officer assigned to Battery F, 26th Field Artillery Regiment, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division. "It also gives everyone a sense of accomplishment."

    The run began at 7 a.m., with more than 450 participants.

    Each Soldier who completed the run earned a commemorative T-shirt. The T-shirt was imprinted with a rendering of King and inscribed with a quote from his Nobel Prize acceptance speech; one that holds significance to service members and civilians in Baghdad, today: "I believe that even amidst today's mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow."

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.15.2010
    Date Posted: 01.15.2010 13:18
    Story ID: 43894
    Location: BAGHDAD, IQ

    Web Views: 231
    Downloads: 220

    PUBLIC DOMAIN