Military and civilian personnel at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella gathered together to celebrate African American/Black History Month with a ceremony and potluck luncheon, Feb. 25.

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Debrielle Richardson, a member of NAVSUP FLC Sigonella's Heritage Committee, started the ceremony by delivering opening remarks.

"African Americans are still reaching higher peaks and making monumental achievements. The importance of this month is to reflect, show homage, and recognize events that have occurred," said Richardson as she introduced the guest speaker, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Tony Bernard.

Bernard approached the podium and read an excerpt from the speech "I Claim the Rights of a Man", delivered in 1868 by Georgia Senator Henry McNeal Turner. He then expressed his appreciation for all African Americans that have paved the way.

"When I try to define my character, I think about my great-great-grandfather. I think about the blood that runs through me and the hard times that he endured. He had to be a noble man with good strong morals, but most importantly, he had to be a family man that worked hard on the job to provide for his wife and children," said Bernard.

After Bernard's remarks, the lights dimmed and the command enjoyed a slide show presentation honoring African Americans and their accomplishments.

Following the ceremony, personnel took time to reflect upon a tapestry entailing black history events, made by the heritage committee. They also enjoyed a pot luck luncheon and engaged in conversation with fellow members of the command.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

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