FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The 93rd Signal Brigade hosted a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial event Jan. 10, 2014 at Fort Eustis' Jacob's theatre, where participants viewed a presentation, musical piece and a speech from Army leadership.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. LaWarren Patterson, U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence commander, spoke at the event. In his speech, Patterson connected Army values to King's message of non-violence, personal responsibility and freedom for all.
"The thread of Martin Luther King's life goes on today," said Patterson. "Hope, freedom and justice [continue to run] through every Service member, civilian and family because our forefathers guaranteed those inalienable rights."
Patterson continued, saying Service members understand the tragedy of war, and how they should strive for peace whenever possible, whether at home or abroad.
"Who is more qualified than a [Service member] as an advocate of peace?" said Patterson. "A battalion commander has enough firepower to [destroy] a whole village, yet he or she practices restraint with the hope of finding a non-violent solution. That kind of restraint, that peaceful nature, is what Martin Luther King preached."
The message of peace and diversity was shared throughout the day's presentation with a candle-lit vigil in honor of King's sacrifice. People of different backgrounds and ages walked across the stage to show the diversity King strived for is alive and thriving today.
Danielle McKinnon, 93rd Sig. Bde. administrative assistant, also took the stage and sang "Up to the Mountain," which touches upon the emotions and the message shared by King's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech held a day before his assassination.
Patterson believes King's message didn't stop at his death on April 4, 1968. He said Service members today have the opportunity to build on the foundation of King's teachings as both a civil rights activist and a genuine, kind-hearted individual.
"Live his dream every day," said Patterson. "Treat others with dignity and respect no matter what rank or authority they have. The American people look up to Service members. That gives us the opportunity to lead our people to a better future, one where everyone lives the dream Martin Luther King proposed so many years ago."