thedrifter
02-14-08, 08:10 AM
Marines honor black troops at Black History Month luncheon
Published Thu, Feb 14, 2008 12:00 AM
By DAN HILLIARD
dhilliard@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5531
More than 140 Marines, sailors and community members turned out Wednesday at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort for a luncheon organized by Tri-Command officers to celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of black sailors and Marines.
Air station commanding officer Col. Robert Lanham said he relishes the opportunity to speak at a Black History Month event every year because it gives him a reason to peruse the writings of Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. DuBois and other black leaders.
"In my mind, the study of black history is largely the study of American history," he said. "America was forged in a crucible during a struggle for freedom. While we must remember where we came from, we cannot use that to excuse apathy today. The struggle for equal rights isn't over. It's at a crossroads."
As representatives from the air station, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Naval Hospital Beaufort ate, two solo spirituals and a dramatic reading of a dialogue between God and a black woman dissatisfied with her appearance, were performed by Chief Warrant Officer Sharon McGuire, Staff Sgt. Erica Sloan from the air station and Kelvin Roberts, a curriculum manager at the depot.
Afterward, the Rev. Sam Spain of Lady's Island Baptist Church addressed the Tri-Command community members.
Spain retired from the Corps in March 1995 with 25 years of service.
"We've fought our country's battles -- we were there for the Civil War, for World War I, for World War II," he said. "We've been able to put our shoulders to the wheel, as our ancestors said, straighten our backs and stand on our accomplishments."
Spain also said during his speech that black Americans need to continue to improve America by spreading their cultural heritage, registering to vote and electing leaders like Barack Obama that represent the black community.
"We honor the spirit of our ancestors in the rhythm of our lives, and our contribution to America is a deep one," he said. "I want you to know we have a great country, and we must do all we can to give our blessings to this country. It's been a long and dangerous road we've traveled. But we still stand determined and dedicated to reaching our dream. The system can be made to work for the benefit of all men."
Ellie
Published Thu, Feb 14, 2008 12:00 AM
By DAN HILLIARD
dhilliard@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5531
More than 140 Marines, sailors and community members turned out Wednesday at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort for a luncheon organized by Tri-Command officers to celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of black sailors and Marines.
Air station commanding officer Col. Robert Lanham said he relishes the opportunity to speak at a Black History Month event every year because it gives him a reason to peruse the writings of Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. DuBois and other black leaders.
"In my mind, the study of black history is largely the study of American history," he said. "America was forged in a crucible during a struggle for freedom. While we must remember where we came from, we cannot use that to excuse apathy today. The struggle for equal rights isn't over. It's at a crossroads."
As representatives from the air station, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Naval Hospital Beaufort ate, two solo spirituals and a dramatic reading of a dialogue between God and a black woman dissatisfied with her appearance, were performed by Chief Warrant Officer Sharon McGuire, Staff Sgt. Erica Sloan from the air station and Kelvin Roberts, a curriculum manager at the depot.
Afterward, the Rev. Sam Spain of Lady's Island Baptist Church addressed the Tri-Command community members.
Spain retired from the Corps in March 1995 with 25 years of service.
"We've fought our country's battles -- we were there for the Civil War, for World War I, for World War II," he said. "We've been able to put our shoulders to the wheel, as our ancestors said, straighten our backs and stand on our accomplishments."
Spain also said during his speech that black Americans need to continue to improve America by spreading their cultural heritage, registering to vote and electing leaders like Barack Obama that represent the black community.
"We honor the spirit of our ancestors in the rhythm of our lives, and our contribution to America is a deep one," he said. "I want you to know we have a great country, and we must do all we can to give our blessings to this country. It's been a long and dangerous road we've traveled. But we still stand determined and dedicated to reaching our dream. The system can be made to work for the benefit of all men."
Ellie