CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston Airmen came together to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a breakfast held at the Charleston Club here Jan. 14.
"The [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 80th Commemorative Birthday Celebration] breakfast is a tribute to Dr. King's birthday and is an opportunity to remind all that the holiday is not simply just a day off," said Senior Master Sgt. Debra Mosley, 437th Maintenance Operations Squadron and member of the African-American Heritage Council.
"As Coretta Scott King stated, 'the holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America,'" said Sergeant Mosley.
During the breakfast, Staff Sgt. Clary Butler of the 315th Maintenance Squadron recited Dr. King's famous speech "I Have a Dream."
"It is our hope that the rendition of the speech will allow our community to reflect upon Dr. King's character and the timeless values he taught us," said Sergeant Mosley. "The speech portrays the characteristics of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service. It reminds our nation that freedom is not free."
While the focus of the breakfast was to celebrate Dr. King's birthday, organizers wanted those attending the event to also remember how Dr. King contributed to creating an equal society for all and becoming an influential figure in American history.
"[I want] for our community to realize that [Jan. 19] is only one of four federal holidays reserved to honor an individual person," Sergeant Mosley said. "While one day in no way equates to the sacrifice of the time and life of Dr. King to help our nation welcome equality, it is our nation's way of honoring a significant historical American."
Sergeant Mosley also highlighted the cost Dr. King paid for his belief in equal treatment for all Americans.
"When we honor the legacy of Dr. King, let us also recall the life he exchanged a priceless sacrifice for the fulfillment of his dream.