Pennsylvania Navy Base Honors Martin Luther King

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Service members and civilian employees attended the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance and Diversity Recognition Awards ceremony Feb. 9 at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mechanicsburg.

Previous NSA Mechanicsburg annual Martin Luther King Jr. tributes were held closer to the civil rights leader's Jan. 15 birthday, according to NSA Mechanicsburg Director of Workforce Diversity Darlene Miller Cooley, but this year's effort took place in February to coincide with Black History Month.

"It's important to take the time to remember what Dr. King did and what he taught us," said event organizer and Equal Employment Opportunities Specialist Zack Currier. "It keeps our focus."

In his opening remarks Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command Rear Adm. Mike J. Lyden said significant work needs be done to achieve King's dream of equality.

"This is not an admission of defeat, but a call to action," Lyden said. "Remember how King would ask us, 'What are you doing for others?'"

Peter Speaks, guest speaker at the ceremony and deputy secretary and special advisor to Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, heralded King as "a truly great leader" and "great humanitarian" whose work transformed the course of history and inspired us all."

"He ushered in a new legacy of social justice," Speaks said. "That is what he believed, stood for and died for."

Speaks, who advises the governor on minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business development issues also spoke of the significant strides made toward equality.

"This is the fulfillment of Dr. King's dream and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all people," he said, also crediting others for their work in the civil rights movement. "For every great and dynamic leader, there is a community of followers organized with a clear vision, clear goals and a clear strategy."

Society has seen the breaking down of barriers at all levels and walks of life, Speaks told the more than 200 people gathered for the ceremony, but especially in the Armed Forces, which were among the first institutions to ban segregation.

"We can't help but to thank you for your service and sacrifice so we can enjoy opportunity, freedom and democracy," Speaks told those gathered in the special events forum. "This is a tremendous honor."

Immediately following the ceremony the base held its annual diversity recognition awards program. These awards were presented to more than 30 managers, supervisors, employees and groups which have made outstanding contributions to NSA Mechanicsburg's equal opportunity and diversity programs and/or their community during the past 12 months.

For more news from Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsamech/.