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Grand Slam Wing commemorates 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Members of the Grand Slam community marched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the march on Washington and mark Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Arriving at Memorial Plaza, the participants listened to a speech by the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief master sergeant.

During his speech, Chief Master Sgt. Rory Wicks said he saw part of the realization of Dr. King's dream here.

"One might ask, 'Who understands this vision of unity more than those of us that have donned the cloth of our nation, those of us within military communities and particularly those of assigned around the world far from home and many of us without our families?,'" Wicks said. "Our ability to serve here together and participate in a march such as this, in 'lock step and arm in arm' so far from our homes, focused on one cause to preserve freedom, is truly amazing and without a doubt puts a 'stamp of approval' on exactly what Dr. King fought and even died for!"

The event organizers thought it was a great opportunity to not only remember the march on Washington, but celebrate what King's dream meant to them.

"Being deployed, we are fighting for freedom and supporting the same thing Dr. King was doing fighting for equality," said Master Sgt. Troy Lee, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing finance office. "This event just made sense to honor Dr. King."

The day also has a special connection for Master Sgt. Simone Howard, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"Dr. King is the reason why I can be here today as an African-American woman and a senior NCO in today's Air Force," Howard said.

The march was another way for the organizers to tell that story, she said.

"Just because I didn't see it - I know there were people thinking bigger picture," Howard said. "I can pass this idea on to my kids, my coworkers, that there were people who did something bigger then themselves for everyone."

Wicks closed the ceremony with a quote by King he believes is one of his many powerful and lasting phrases that transcends all environments and situations.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

"This is the true definition of character that is rooted within all our heritages and backgrounds ... I ask, where do you stand today? Ladies and gentlemen," Wicks continued, "these words, Dr. King's legacy and this day are indeed indicative of where we are today ... here together serving our nation, unified as one."