JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'
"With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brother-hood ... And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true."
Those words were spoken at the historic March on Washington, Aug. 28, 1963, by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - a vital and charismatic figure of the Civil Rights Movement who inspired men and women around the world, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
U.S. Service members at both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis held events honoring King's legacy, Jan. 13 and 15.
The theme of both events was "A day on, not a day off," underlining the importance of giving back to the community specifically on MLK Day of Service, Jan. 19.
"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?'" said U.S. Army Col. Richard Montieth, Training and Doctrine Command deputy chief of staff. "On the third Monday in January each year, Americans answer that question by coming together on the MLK Jr. Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. The day represents an opportunity to start the year off right by making a positive impact in one's community."
The events featured the Woodside High School Jubilee Chorale, a spoken-word poem, readings of King's "I Have a Dream" speech and his book, "Why we can't wait," as well as multiple guest speakers.
One guest speaker, U.S. Air Force Col. Rickey Rodgers, Air Combat Command deputy inspector general, recounted the efforts of African Americans and women who made great strides to serve the nation as military pilots.
"The Tuskegee experiment showed us that capability was not a function of skin color," he said. "Dr. King challenged us all to look past skin color and other external traits, and to focus on the internal traits of one's true character. An individual's capability has always been important to the military."
Echoing Rodger's sentiments, Col. John J. Allen, Jr., 633rd Air Base Wing commander, concluded the Langley program with a few words directly relating King's message to the everyday work of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and civilians in the audience.
"Our Air Force culture is what makes us special. The fact that you all are here today to help us celebrate this is indicative of that culture," Allen said. "Our core values are lofty ideals, and so is the notion that undergirds our culture; that we respect each other so that we might trust each other, because without that, we are not mission-effective. Dr. King was a pioneer and crusader in that notion, and I'd like to think that we have directly benefitted from the example he set."
Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Teresa J. Cleveland contributed to this article.