by Sgt. Kevin McSwain
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - On this day 78 years ago, a child was born who would change history and continue to impact a nation even after his death.
This child was named Michael Luther King, Jr.; most know him as Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King's life and legacy was remembered here during a celebration which lasted for a majority of the day.
In addition to numerous individual events many servicemembers participated in a 5 kilometer run and attended a celebration, all in honor of Dr. King.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who was known for his non-violent protest of racial inequality, used techniques practiced by Gandhi to protest segregation and discrimination.
"There is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy out thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred," said King during his speech at the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963.
King also said we must not allow creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. His policy of nonviolent protest was the dominant force in the civil rights movement.
The celebration of his birthday has been a national holiday for 21 years and was the first new holiday since 1948, when Memorial Day was created as a "prayer for peace" day.
Many view the holiday as not a day of leisure, but a day of love for your fellow person and fellowship with friends. And this was the idea behind the organization of the 5 km run here and the observance which followed later in the day.
"This event was organized as an overall observance of Dr. King's accomplishments," said Capt. Kathy A. McKay, personnel officer for 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. "This is our way of recognizing the many accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."
McKay said over half of their headquarters volunteered to help support the event which accommodated more than 350 participants.
Each participant received a t-shirt, commemorating the event. Top competitors included Capt. Martin Wennblom, commander of the 60th Ordnance Company, with a time of 17:08 and Sgt. Jennifer Moran, supply noncommissioned officer for the 127th Quartermaster Company, with a time of 19:39.
The two Soldiers, along with the second and third finishers of each gender, were presented with a certificate and other awards during the celebration of Dr. King's birthday at the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center East.
The winner of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest was also announced during the celebration. Senior Airman Clenaure Carter took first prize with his essay titled, "The written history of Martin Luther King Jr."
"He is my hero," said Carter when asked what compelled him to write the essay. "Dr. King is the reason I wrote the essay, I was not looking for praise, it was in his honor."
Carter said he began a MLK breakfast at his high school, which is still held every year, and says he is just paying respect to a man that has helped change the history of the United States.
During the celebration, servicemembers were educated on some of the accomplishments of Dr. King and entertained with soulful songs.
"I think Dr. King would be proud to see that so many of us are living his dream," said 1st Lt. Wenda Throckmorton, commander of the 209th Quartermaster Company. "We have come a long way and I am proud to be a part of this."
Brig. Gen. Robin Rand, the commander of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq gave remarks on Jan. 14 during a commemoration ceremony held at the Town Hall building here.
"I think that he (King) would be hopeful," Rand said as he compared what life was then to what it is now. "Look at the diversity that we have here today."
Brig. Gen. Michael Terry, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), also sent out words honoring Dr. King's vision in the form of a memorandum.
"Dr. King was truly a prophetic voice that bridged the chasms of hostility, prejudice, ignorance, and fear to touch the conscience of America," he said. "Americans should be proud of our commitment and united in our reverence for freedom and equality."
| Date Taken: | 01.15.2002 |
| Date Posted: | 01.18.2007 08:51 |
| Story ID: | 8845 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 163 |
| Downloads: | 76 |
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