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Living the Dream!

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Marcus Penn
  • 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar -- --  On 20 Jan. 2014, Americans all over the world will pause to reflect on the life, ideals and contributions of one of the most influential leaders of the 20th Century. They will remember a man who believed in selfless service, sacrificial love, devotion to a nation and the principles upon which it was founded that "all men are created equal."

I'm referring to none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., minister, civil rights activist, husband and father.

King believed in an eternal declaration which is engraved in the very fabric of our nation's Declaration of Independence which, goes on further to state 'these truths are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'

King was a man that dared to dream. He dreamed truth, and dreamed one day those truths would be realized, acknowledged, and instituted.

As a prolific speaker and inspirational leader, King brought a message of peace, non-violence, steadfastness and determination in the face of severe adversity. He thwarted the bigotry and injustices of his time. His fight for equality and justice wasn't only for African Americans, but for all nationalities, races and creeds.

Today, his dream has become a reality, as Americans now live with the freedoms to achieve their dreams, unhindered by racial, religious and ethnical injustices and discrimination. Our Nation continues to advance the dream, as citizens have realized the strength of our diversity and unity.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in our nation's Department of Defense and Armed Forces. Our military is the most lethal, advanced and effective force in our nation's history. It is comprised of Americans from numerous races, ethnicities and religions. We have achieved amazing feats because of our strength, unity and diversity.

As we approach the coming MLK Observance Day, we ask that you join us in celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Please join us for a very special program and events in which we continue "Advancing the Dream, Honoring the Dreamer, Solidifying Our Future." This year the African American Heritage Committee is sponsoring a special observance program, a 1,000 word essay contest and trivia night. Additionally, the 379th EFSS has several events lined up to include a fun run, 3-on-3 basketball shootout and an open mic night.