Bonhomme Richard Celebrates Legacy of MLK

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) celebrated the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 17 during a special tribute program in the ship's hangar bay themed, "Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!"

Through skits, songs, poetry and dance, the program shed light on the life and dream of King and his impact during the civil rights movement.

"Our objective was to motivate, educate and inspire," said Lt. Cmdr. Eugene Tillery, the program director. "In America we share a wonderful democracy in which Dr. Martin Luther King played an exacting role and is one of the major contributing factors to why our democracy still stands today. In his honor, today we celebrate his legacy and his life with hopes that everyone understands why he is such an important person not only in African-American history, but also in American history."

Program participants brought to life iconic moments in American history that included Rosa Parks, civil rights activist Roger Corbin and Coretta Scott King. During the program, Martin Luther King Jr. was portrayed by Chief Operations Specialist Benjamin Washington.

"I was honored to play such a great role. I wanted to portray him to the best of my ability," said Washington. "I spent time studying his mannerisms and listening to his speeches, trying to transfer that power from his voice somehow into me. He was such a great man in history. He was such a powerful person with a commanding presence."

The cast spent the past month preparing for the tribute, practicing almost everyday.

"We put a lot of time and effort in this program, practicing nightly," said Quartermaster Seaman Jazmyne Sims. "From the beginning, Lt. Cmdr. Tillery challenged us all to strive for perfection so that everyone that saw the program would understand the reason we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr."

"I expected nothing but the best from this group," said Tillery. "They all hold such amazing yet different talents, and I felt it was my job to push them to do their best."

"It was a great feeling to hear people cheering and applauding," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Manice Delva. "You practice daily wondering how you will perform the day of the event. After we finished today, we didn't have to wonder because the crowd's standing ovation told us that we did a great job, and I am proud of each and every one of us."

Bonhomme Richard Commanding Officer Capt. John Funk gave remarks during the program.

"As I look out at our incredible crew of Sailors and Marines, I am honored to work in an environment where each individual is measured by their character and not by the color of their skin, their gender, their ethnic background or their religion," said Funk. "As we sail today, I am confident Bonhomme Richard is an example of a dream come true."

Bonhomme Richard is the command platform for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, currently conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

For more news Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7, visit www.navy.mil/local/cas7/.