Dean, retired colonel speaks at Dr. King service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alex Echols
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A retired Air Force colonel and the Tuskegee University College of Engineering dean and Electrical Engineering professor spoke during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Service Jan. 17 at the base chapel.

During his speech, Dr. Legand L. Burge, Jr. told the history of Civil Rights Movement and touched on Dr. King's role. This lead up to his most important point: the education of the youth of America and the imperativeness of them learning the history and lessons of the Civil Rights Movement. Being a part of the education process, he can really see its necessity, Burge said.

"We are enabling education to not be a priority in the United States," Burge said. "Learning is so important. We need to recognize that education is the whole business of what being a citizen is all about. Civil Rights in America is the lesson."

The points Burge touched on hit home with many of those in attendance.

"In my 26 years working with the military, that was one of the best black heritage services I have seen," said Michael Parker, 325th Comptroller Squadron administrative assistant. "I thought the speaker was awesome. A lot of times at ceremonies, they talk about what has happened, but he also brought it to the present day with issues like education."

At the closing of his speech, Burge urged the value of giving back and volunteering.

"It brings a sense of integrity back to my heart," Burge said. "It allows me to have the opportunity to share some of the experience of my 30 years as an Air Force officer and what I've learned as a dean. It means that I have now got to carry a message forward of why we must have true Civil Rights in America."


The service was presented by the Tyndall Black Heritage Committee as a remembrance of Dr. King and his contribution to civil rights.