Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born Jan. 15, 1929. He was an American Baptist minister and leader in the Civil Rights Movement.

On the third Monday in January, Americans remember the life and legacy of a man who made it his life's work to bring equality and fair treatment for all.

King played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his death in 1968. Inspired by advocates of nonviolence such as Mahatma Gandhi, King sought equality for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and victims of injustice through peaceful protest.

Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) had the chance to reflect on King's impact.

It's such a huge accomplishment that one man could rally so many people around him, said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Johnathan Masangcay about King. He was one of few people that were able to really push the civil rights movement forward.

King was the driving force behind events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, which helped bring about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He helped organize and plan events, and made public speeches to promote peace and equality.

GW crew members took the time to recognize King, who is remembered and celebrated by the nation for his achievements as a pivotal figure in American history.

I think it's important to remember what King accomplished, said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Wittney Beckstead. A lot of people don't know about what he did for our country, so this holiday serves as a reminder.

Sailors involved in GW's Heritage Committee hosted an event Jan. 26 to honor King.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/USSGW or www.twitter.com/GW_CVN73.