KMC remembers Martin Luther King

Soldiers and civilians from around the KMC gathered at the Vogelweh Chapel Jan. 14 to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, an American clergyman, activist and prominent leader in the African-American civil rights movement.

The event, which was sponsored by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, featured a dance routine by the Kaiserslautern High School Step Team and a musical performance by Kali Holmes.

Sgt. Maj. James Stewart from the 21st TSC’s chaplain office delivered the key note speech. Sergeant Major Stewart spoke about his life as a child growing up in Mississippi and how he viewed Dr. King as one of his role models.

And many community members in attendance agreed.

“Martin Luther King symbolized hope in an era of hopelessness,” said Master Sgt. Garrett Gardner, the equal opportunity adviser for the 21st TSC. “He brought light to a dark situation. His dream has opened doors for me and hopefully my children and grandchildren as we strive to move forward as a nation.”

The event also included a 1.3-mile commemorative march, which started at the Vogelweh Chapel, circled Kapaun and returned.

Many participants said the march was the most memorable part of the remembrance event.

Overall, it was a great opportunity to share experiences and celebrate one of the greatest civil rights leaders the world has ever known.

“It’s important because when you speak to someone who lived through an event, you actually feel it,” said Spc. Shannelle Santiago, a postal operations specialist with the Human Resources Support Center-Europe, 21st TSC. “It puts you in their shoes and gives you a better understanding of what’s going on and what they have overcome.”

Dr. King was born Jan. 15, 1929. Each year he is honored on Martin Luther King Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday of January and is used to encourage equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Often the day is used by educational institutions to teach pupils and students about the work of Dr. King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism.