JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Members of Joint Base Charleston took the time Jan. 15, 2016, to celebrate the life of a person who changed the nation.
A Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration was held at the Chapel Annex on the Air Base and included guest speaker Reverend John Reynolds, a civil rights leader and a friend of King who served alongside him during the hardships of the civil rights movement.
Reynolds reflected on his past with King, telling many stories to the Airmen and Sailors listening.
"He is still teaching us how to live," said Reynolds. "He is still teaching us how to love one another."
"Until my last breath on this earth, I will not forget those memories and what it means to honor that man," said Reynolds.
There was also a speech excerpt read by Dubose Middle School student Ms. Jailee Britt, daughter of Master Sgt. Jamie Britt, 437th Operations Squadron Weather flight chief.
"Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy," said Britt. "Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood."
Navy Capt. Timothy Sparks, Joint Base Charleston deputy commander, delivered closing remarks at the end of the ceremony, as well as presenting Reynolds and Britt with certificates of appreciation for their part in the very important event.
Dr. King's philosophy resonates today as boldly as he proclaimed it during the civil rights movement. He had a dream. We demonstrate our commitment to this dream by continuing to build a cohesive team of service members from all segments of our society. In today's military, each one of us is valued for his or her individual perspective while being bound by shared values and common cause. This is a military necessity.
On Monday, we encourage each of you, whether with family and friends, or while on watch at one of our many worldwide locations, to ponder these truths and remember the legacy of Dr. King.
We thank you all for your service.