Keyport Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By Airman Jasmine Stokes, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- Service members and civilians gathered to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a commemoration ceremony at the Naval Undersea Museum Keyport's Jack Murdock Auditorium Jan. 11 in Keyport, Wash.

The commemoration of King's legacy was held to acknowledge his leadership and determination to establish equal rights during the 1950s and 1960s.

"Dr. King fought not just for black people but racial equality for everyone and that was what he was willing to die for," said Monica E. Emerson, retired Navy diversity officer. "Diversity reflects who we are as a nation."

Emerson said many of King's quotes including 'Pursued through love and nonviolence,' and 'We have to involve everyone through alliances, team work and diversity,' embraced King's dream of unity and peace.

Raymond Miller, vice president of Snohomish county National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, acknowledge the importance of observing this day as a national holiday.

"We honor the life and legacy of a true American hero," said Miller. "Someone who was on the front-lines of not only changing American history but American culture that included all people regardless of race, creed, or national origin was able to be a part of the great American experience."

A commemoration ceremony was also held at William E. Moore Auditorium on Naval Station Everett, and King will also be honored at the base chapel on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Jan. 13.

"What Martin Luther King Day means to me is the movement of society as a whole, moving forward and treating people with equality and respect regardless of where you came from and what you've done," said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class (FMF) Richard Herring, of Tulsa, Okla., assigned to the base chapel at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "What I hope people take out of this day is hard work and dedication in what you believe in and striving for a better place in the world."