Dr. King's dream still going

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  More than 80 Team Tyndall members attended the Tyndall Black Heritage Committee's Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration service Jan. 15 at Chapel 2.

Every year Martin Luther King Jr. day is celebrated nation-wide. Here the purpose of the service was to highlight Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what he accomplished for civil rights.

"Not only is the event about him, but it is also about the legacy and community of Americans," said Barbara Copeland, TBHC president. "We have to continue his dream, keep pushing forward and focus on the violent behaviors going on in the communities. We can't allow that to keep going, but we also need to work better as a community to get all problems solved."

During the service Lloyd W. Newton, U.S. Air Force General retired, spoke to them about living during that time and how Dr. King's dream needs to stay alive.

"The dream and the vision that he had of how we live and coexist with each other, with respect, is that American dream," said Newton. "It's important because we want to remember what Dr. King left for all Americans: that dream of everyone having the basic civil and human rights promised in the Constitution."

The event also included four Airmen who read part of Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech, which were read in English, Spanish and Swahili. There were also two singing performances with strong messages of unity behind the lyrics.

"This event was amazing and a great time. I had the chance to learn a lot from the guest speaker," said Kyle Maurice Turk, 325th Force Support Squadron customer support technician. "I learned King was a great inspiration to everyone. Treat others how you want to be treated and no matter what happens, everyone should help each other. I know we still have work to do as a nation, but we are taking good steps forward, especially in the military. We are a unity, one motion, one band and one beat, which are steps to building a great future."

All who attended came together as one to sing The Negro National Anthem, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' performed by Pastor Terrance Bulger, 325th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician.

"I believe Dr. King's work is not done," Copeland said. "It's not about black or white people, yellow or green. It's about all of us working together for the good of everybody else."