thedrifter
01-20-06, 09:39 AM
January 20, 2006
HH unites, remembers life and legacy of civil rights leader
by Tia Bracey
Henderson Hall News
Marines and Civilian Marines gathered to observe the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a commemorative service at the Henderson Hall Theater Wednesday. They celebrated the life of perhaps the most well-known civil rights leader in U.S. history. Born Jan. 15, 1929, King was an important figure during the Civil Rights Movement. He led many non-violent marches in an effort to fight for the equal rights of all Americans. His efforts were abruptly ended April 4, 1968 when he was assassinated by James Earl Ray. Today, he is one of only three individuals who has a federal holiday named in his honor.
The ceremony celebrating his life began with a slide show of King, documenting his life through photography. A musical prelude by the Henderson Hall Gospel Groove Band (HHGGB) accompanied the slide show as people entered the theater. Headquarters Battalion Chaplain Navy Lt. Robert Jones welcomed everyone to the celebration noting that the purpose of the service was to remember and reflect on the life of King.
Headquarters Battalion Commanding Officer Col. A. E. Van Dyke referenced to King's unending pursuit of what he really believed in and his choice to pursue his convictions for social change through non-violent means.
"I could think of no better role model all of us could emulate than Dr. King," said Van Dyke.
Following his remarks, the HHGGB performed a selection "Riding with Jesus" written by Headquarters Battalion Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. William H. Small. The song, containing lyrics such as "Walk with Jesus everybody. Get aboard," can be referenced to the Civil Rights Freedom Riders. The Freedom Riders were a group of men and women from many different backgrounds and ethnicities who headed to the deep South using various modes of transportation to join in non-violent protests against racial segregation in all interstate public facilities. They were supporters of King who believed in acting without violence. However, they encountered many acts of violence during their "freedom rides."
HHGGB also performed "Walk With Me Lord" and "I Will Bless the Lord."
Navy Lt. j. g. Carl Brown delivered the biographical sketch and the present-day legacy of King. Brown spoke of the civil rights leader's upbringing in the church and how he was inspired in his pilgrimage toward equality.
"As we celebrate King's life today, millions of people commemorate the life, the leadership and legacy of what Dr. Martin Luther King (Jr.) stood for," said Brown, "one who gave his life for justice, liberty and equality that all of us may be free."
The Battalion Chaplain described King as a theologian, and he read scriptures from the Biblical books of Amos and Luke which are reiterated in some of King's speeches. The National Negro Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," was sung as those in attendance stood, which is customary when the song is performed.
Jones' closed the service with his benediction, charging those in attendance to continue to perpetuate the legacy of King by being in control of their own character content.
Ellie
HH unites, remembers life and legacy of civil rights leader
by Tia Bracey
Henderson Hall News
Marines and Civilian Marines gathered to observe the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a commemorative service at the Henderson Hall Theater Wednesday. They celebrated the life of perhaps the most well-known civil rights leader in U.S. history. Born Jan. 15, 1929, King was an important figure during the Civil Rights Movement. He led many non-violent marches in an effort to fight for the equal rights of all Americans. His efforts were abruptly ended April 4, 1968 when he was assassinated by James Earl Ray. Today, he is one of only three individuals who has a federal holiday named in his honor.
The ceremony celebrating his life began with a slide show of King, documenting his life through photography. A musical prelude by the Henderson Hall Gospel Groove Band (HHGGB) accompanied the slide show as people entered the theater. Headquarters Battalion Chaplain Navy Lt. Robert Jones welcomed everyone to the celebration noting that the purpose of the service was to remember and reflect on the life of King.
Headquarters Battalion Commanding Officer Col. A. E. Van Dyke referenced to King's unending pursuit of what he really believed in and his choice to pursue his convictions for social change through non-violent means.
"I could think of no better role model all of us could emulate than Dr. King," said Van Dyke.
Following his remarks, the HHGGB performed a selection "Riding with Jesus" written by Headquarters Battalion Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. William H. Small. The song, containing lyrics such as "Walk with Jesus everybody. Get aboard," can be referenced to the Civil Rights Freedom Riders. The Freedom Riders were a group of men and women from many different backgrounds and ethnicities who headed to the deep South using various modes of transportation to join in non-violent protests against racial segregation in all interstate public facilities. They were supporters of King who believed in acting without violence. However, they encountered many acts of violence during their "freedom rides."
HHGGB also performed "Walk With Me Lord" and "I Will Bless the Lord."
Navy Lt. j. g. Carl Brown delivered the biographical sketch and the present-day legacy of King. Brown spoke of the civil rights leader's upbringing in the church and how he was inspired in his pilgrimage toward equality.
"As we celebrate King's life today, millions of people commemorate the life, the leadership and legacy of what Dr. Martin Luther King (Jr.) stood for," said Brown, "one who gave his life for justice, liberty and equality that all of us may be free."
The Battalion Chaplain described King as a theologian, and he read scriptures from the Biblical books of Amos and Luke which are reiterated in some of King's speeches. The National Negro Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," was sung as those in attendance stood, which is customary when the song is performed.
Jones' closed the service with his benediction, charging those in attendance to continue to perpetuate the legacy of King by being in control of their own character content.
Ellie