Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Headquarters held a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Program for military and civilian personnel Jan. 12 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Kevin Carpenter, human resource specialist at NAVSUP Headquarters, served as master of ceremonies and introduced James Chavis from NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (WSS). Chavis provided opening remarks and welcomed Mark H. Smith, a financial management specialist at NAVSUP WSS, who is a member of the Association of Military Comptrollers and the NAACP, and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Chavis shared a favorite quote of Smith's, a quote by Khalil Gibran which says, "Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you, as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you, as by the way your mind looks at what happens."

During Smith's presentation, "The Contributions of Americans of African Descendants in Building the United States of America," he highlighted many inventions, contributions, and personal accounts of his family history which have ties to King's struggle for civil rights. He spoke of how several of his ancestors -- Robert Smalls, Bruce Boynton, and Amelia Boynton Robinson -- each who, in their own way overcame a "crisis in education."

"By their courageous actions, they stood up when the country needed them, sacrificing comfort and convenience, just like many of you do -- proud members of the military -- each and every day to make this country the 'Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave,'" he emphasized. "It's important to be aware of key historical events of our shared history and what makes our diverse nation a uniquely American story. That starts by understanding the actions and sacrifices of the brave Americans of African descendants who helped make this nation truly the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us."

Smith credits his sister, Robin A. Smith, who is currently stationed with the Army North Africa Command, for the research and documentation of their family history. He recalled numerous family discussions of personal firsthand accounts of events connecting their experiences with the U.S. Constitution, civil rights, and education.

The program concluded with Smith remembering his great aunt's own words, "Get off my shoulders and get to work!"

He said all Americans need to pick up the torch and carry on the march toward eliminating discrimination and ensuring equality for all. To honor King, the video of his "I Have a Dream" speech was played for the audience.

Mike Madden, NAVSUP vice commander, thanked Smith for sharing "his history and our history," and for continuing to educate others.

Rear Adm. Jonathan Yuen, NAVSUP commander, said in a message to the NAVSUP workforce, "As we honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us remember his words, "The time is right to do what is right," and act where we can to leave a lasting positive legacy for future generations."

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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