USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors observed Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day aboard the ship while underway, Jan. 18.

MLK was instrumental in America's civil rights movement, and is still celebrated today for his approach to embracing peace and togetherness in American society nearly 50 years after his assassination.

"What Martin Luther King Jr. did paved the way for us all to be here today, hand-in hand, serving our country as patriots," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class David Houchins, from Lexington, North Carolina.

John C. Stennis' Multicultural Heritage Committee hosted the event which celebrated the life and legacy of MLK with a luncheon and cake-cutting ceremony on the ship's mess decks. During the event, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Isis Gooden, from St. Helena Island, South Carolina, read a speech written by Coretta Scott-King, MLK's wife.

"The King Holiday honors the life and contributions of America's greatest champion of racial justice and equality, the leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality," said Scott-King. "On this day we commemorate Dr. King's great dream of a vibrant, multiracial nation united in justice, peace and reconciliation."

MLK Day was first celebrated as a national holiday on Jan. 15, 1986, and serves as an annual reminder of his contributions and dedication to a more just society.

John C. Stennis is currently underway conducting routine training as it continues preparing for its next scheduled deployment.

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