Naval Base Coronado Sailors Remember Dr. King's Dream

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian contractors from Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), and guests, marched down the street and sang songs at Naval Base Coronado (NBC) Jan. 13 remembering and honoring the famous marches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The participants marched to the steps of the base theater, and upon entering Dr. King's famous speech "I Have a Dream" could be heard.

"We celebrate the actions of one man [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] who fought for diversity and recognized all people should be free," said Capt. John Smajdek, executive officer, FRCSW. "His passion, vision and courageous deeds should help us determine if our actions toward other races need improvement."

"Dr. King molded a vibrant multiracial nation and his actions should not be forgotten," said Smajdek.

Guests enjoyed the musical sounds of gospel recording artist Lanee Battle who sang the national, the black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and gospel hymns.

The theme of this year's ceremony was "Passing the Torch." Guest speaker Farrell Chiles, chairman of the board of Blacks in Government, said every person that possesses the torch must stand up to the plate, make an impact in their communities and continue to strive for the advancement of civil rights.

"Each generation must carry the torch," said Chiles. "We are not measured by who we are, but by how well we can pave the road for those to come."

As the commemoration ceremony came to an end, audience members joined Battle in singing "You'll Never Walk Alone."

"Anytime we come together to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., it is encouraging to see that people still remember him," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class (AW) Alice Y. Wingo, an FRCSW Sailor who attended the event.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/.