MLK Jr. Day Service at the RAFB chapel

jclark@sunmulti.com

This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service at Robins Air

Force Base celebrated “Diversity in the Legacy of Dr. King.”

After King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech was played for

the large audience that filled the chapel, the focus turned to Brig. Gen Cedric

George, commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, who told about

his personal connection with King’s legacy.

King was “one who tried to give his life serving others,”

said George Thursday.

CMSgt. Gregory Joy recalled a story from his youth about one

of his friends saying, “I wish I was black so I could miss school on Martin

Luther King Jr.’s birthday.”

Joy explained that when he was growing up Martin Luther King

Jr. Day was not a national holiday.

He said he was “proud he (his friend) wanted to be like me.”

It “never occurred to me he wanted a day off” school, Joy joked.

Joy said if he could, he would go back and explain to his

friend the significance of King’s work.

“Dr. King’s work leveled the playing field for all

Americans,” finished Joy.

Col. Mitchel Butikofer of the 78^th Air Base Wing

reflected on the legacy of King and his “I Have A Dream” speech.

During the service, the Central High School sang beautiful

renditions of “Keep your Lamps,” “Steal Away,” “Soon Ah Will Be Done” and “Lift

Every Voice and Sing.” The audience joined in with the chorus to sing “Lift

Every Voice and Sing” at the end of the program.

HHJ News