Tyndall celebrates a great life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team Tyndall members gathered to celebrate and remember the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Chapel One Jan.19.

Brig. Gen. Alfred Stewart, Commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Air Education and Training Command, appeared as the guest speaker to offer information on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the important role his life played in America's history.

"Today we have come together to remember Dr. King and his teachings and the movement that he led," said General Stewart. "Dr. King devoted his life's work to causes of equality and social justice. He taught that through nonviolence and service to one another, problems such as hunger and homelessness, prejudice and discrimination can be overcome. He was a man with vision, a man of passion and a man with a message."

The ceremony opened with the 101st Air and Space Operations Group Color Guard posting the colors, words from Chaplain (Capt.) David Black, 325th Fighter Wing chaplain, followed along with a selection of gospel songs. The general then spoke a great deal on not only what Martin Luther King Day was, but included his own personal experiences to emphasize to the crowd the importance of this day.

"It was exciting to have him speak, it was a phenomenal speech," said Lt. Col. Reuben Sparks, 601st Intel Surveillance and Reconnaissance division deputy director and advisor to the Tyndall Black Heritage Club Committee. "He tied a lot of his personal life to what Martin Luther King meant and what we can do today.  It is a day of reflection of where we've been and what still needs to be done."

"Dr. King relentlessly pursued a goal that most thought was impossible," said General Stewart. "Under Dr. King's leadership, the nation - against odds - had made visible progress."

The ceremony ended with video clips and a replay of the famous 'I have a dream' speech Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave years ago. The attendees gathered for a small celebration afterward and came together to reflect on the life and importance of one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders.