Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration hosted at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Nichols
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Members from across Team Yokota gathered at the Taiyo Community Center on Jan. 13 to remember and celebrate the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The event included a play performed by members of Yokota High School's drama club and awards for poetry and picture contests.

Col. Otto Feather, 374th Airlift Wing commander, gave the opening remarks about Dr. King's stance on human rights and his inspiration to all.

"Whether our skin is black or white, all of us benefit from Dr. King's righteous stance against injustice and oppression--a stance for which he risked and gave his life," said Col. Feather.

Louis Vance, 374th Force Support Squadron chief of education and training, was the guest speaker for the event and spoke on the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Dr. King's numerous accomplishments.

"This is a time for the nation to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. This is a time to remember his fight for the freedom, equality and dignity of all races and people. A time to remember his message of change through non-violence," said Mr. Vance.

"Although many people see this and other holidays as a day off and a day without work, it is much more than that. It is a celebration of equality, a celebration of freedom and a celebration of a wonderful man."

Dr. King was a Nobel Prize winner, author, minister and civil rights activist. His untimely loss has affected the lives of millions. Mr. Vance recalled the pain surrounding Dr. King's death and spoke of its continued impact today.

"At the time, I was eight years old. Although I was confused as to who he was, I was not confused about the hurt and pain that my mother and other people felt," Mr. Vance remarked. "Each year on the third Monday of January, schools, federal offices, post offices and banks across America close as we celebrate the birth, the life and the reign of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."

Dr. King was an American, who like many before him and after him, made the ultimate sacrifice to make America a better place for all. His fight for equality and justice helped to give all children, regardless of race, the opportunity to receive a good education and the chance to contribute to society.

Mr. Vance closed with an inspiring message to those in attendance.

"Education is the key to success in life. Have faith in yourself, pursue your dreams and move on toward the future," said Mr. Vance. "No matter how bad you think your situation is, there's always someone, somewhere who has a situation worse than yours."