Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) held an African American History Month program for military and civilian personnel, Feb. 18 in Mechanicsburg.

Army Col. David Lockhart, a chaplain from the U.S. Army War College, provided keynote remarks.

The program also featured a recitation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "I have a Dream" by Minister Michael Joyner, and musical selections from soloist Betty Joyner, who led the audience in singing "We Shall Overcome."

Capt. Jim Lowther, deputy commander, Ships and Submarines, NAVSUP WSS, spoke about the theme for this year's National African-American History Month observance in his opening remarks.

"The theme of this year's observance is Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African-American Memories," Lowther said. "You can't tell our nation's story without including the many sites where African-Americans have made history. Fort Mose Settlement, Seneca Village, Selma, The Kingsley Plantation, Montgomery, and the many stops along the Underground Railroad are just a few of the sites that remind us of those who struggled and fought for freedom and equality for all."

During his keynote address, Lockhart spoke about the significance of African American History Month.

"We're constantly focusing on our futures while forgetting our past," Lockhart said. "We as a community must find ways to preserve our history so we can keep the hopes and the dreams alive before us, to continue to make it relevant."

Lockhart went on to talk about the importance of honoring all African-Americans, not just those we learn about in the history books.

"We must reiterate the fact that blacks offered an array of things to society," he said. "Black History Month is so much more than just commemorating the lives of blacks who did something amazing or extraordinary. It is also about recognizing the significance of a race coming together to fight for the rights that they knew they so richly deserved."

At the end of his remarks, Lockhart noted, "Black History Month gives us an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the people who have made a difference. It does not take much to make a difference. All you need is the ears to hear the voices of others, a heart that is willing to serve, and a voice that is willing to speak up for what you believe."

He went on to quote U.S. Track and Field athlete Wilma Rudolph in saying, "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us."

A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP WSS is the U.S. Navy's supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.