Edwards celebrates life, legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For Tech Sgt. Amy Tucker and dozens of Team Edwards members, the short march from 95th Air Base Wing headquarters to Chapel 1 meant more than just a way to remember a great American, it was an emotional experience.

"I just get a feeling of happiness and love when I think about Martin Luther King and everything he's done for civil rights," said Sergeant Tucker, 95th Communications Squadron Operations superintendent. "It just brings peace to me."

The Air Force Flight Test Center and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center sponsored this year‟s celebratory Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march Jan. 13 and the following service at Chapel 1.
 
The 95th Air Base Wing hosted the event.

Base leadership led the march that began at 2 p.m. from Bldg. 3000 and headed down Rosamond Blvd in front of AFFTC headquarters, ending at Chapel 1 where a commemorative service was held.

The service featured gospel songs and remarks from Col. Gregory E. Schwab, 95th ABW commander, and guest speaker Thomas R. Berard, AFFTC Executive director.

"The dream that Dr. King had is something we want to make a reality," said Alfred Wilson, Edwards Equal Opportunity director. "He did great things, not just for African Americans, but he did great things for all Americans."

Dr. King led the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950s and 60s. He advocated nonviolent protests against segregation and racial discrimination.

Among his many achievements, Dr. King led the effort to desegregate buses in Montgomery, Ala.; won the noble peace prize in 1964 and was the first black American to be honored as Time magazine's Man of the Year.

His legacy has influenced, motivated and inspired millions of Americans.

"To know that somebody fought so hard for my kids and everybody else's kids to come together and not see black, not see white, just each other and love each other, means a lot to me," said Sergeant Tucker.