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MLK Commemoration Service reminder to make a difference

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., staff at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs gathered today to reflect on the accomplishments of the civil rights leader.

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations deputy commander Trevor Dean, made reference to the President's proclamation in his opening remarks and emphasized the power of words.

"Words are very meaningful as they are strung together," he said. "Those words you can't take back. So when you say things, make them important things, something that is actionable. In the short time amount of time (Dr. King) spent on this mission has resonated for generations and will continue to resonate for generations to come. It's an incredible testament to what he had to say. So, I would ask you, if it resonates with you today, make it actionable."

Dr. King had a dream that his children would be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin. He dreamed there would come a day that all of God's children would be free.

"Thomas Jefferson once wrote: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,'" recited Ch. (Lt. Col.) Dennis Saucier, AFMAO head chaplain.

"It is the creed by which Americans live and die," said the chaplain. "There was a time in our history when we did not live up to that creed and there is a great man that we honor today - not only a true American patriot but a notable and true churchmen saw the injustices and realized that this nation cannot stand if any segment of its citizens are denied those rights."

Dr. King set out to change that. He inspired change and he tore down walls, stressed guest speaker, Retired Ch. (Lt. Col.) Ted Henderson.

"You may not realize it right now, but you are sitting right now in a piece of civil rights history," said Chaplain Henderson. There is no building throughout all the (Department of Defense) that is named after a civilian African American."

Not only is the building which honors America's fallen named after an African-American, thanks to Dr. King, segregation has become a thing of the past.

When Chaplain Henderson was a child, there was segregation in life and in death.
"We couldn't be buried in the same cemeteries," he said. "Then, Dr. King came along and did everything he could to break down barriers."

Dr. King had a dream. He broke down barriers by saying things people did not want to hear. He stood for equality.

"I'm glad you are all here," said Chaplain Henderson. "Black and white, men and women, young and old, officer and enlisted - cause we can tear down walls. It is our God given right to continue to tear down walls."

The chaplain went on to say that Americans need to learn from Dr. King and be the best that they can be, because everybody has something to offer.

"We must not stop," he said. "I'm looking forward to the day when we can all be called Americans."

Together, Americans can be the change that resonates. Together, they can learn to love unconditionally, break the barriers and tear down walls.

"Let us likewise honor each other in life," said Chaplain Henderson, "as Americans!"
Monday is the 25th anniversary of the holiday honoring Dr. King. Martin Luther King Jr., Day is a day that commemorates the civil rights leader and continues to be an important part of American history and a reminder that anyone can make a difference.