Base, community bond to celebrate MLK Jr.

MINOT, N.D. -- Rev. Will Barnes, a minister with the Minot Air Force Base Gospel Service recites a section of Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I have a Dream" speech during the sixth annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life achievements at Minot State University’s Aleshire Theater here Jan. 19. The celebration was even more significant in 2009 because the principles MLK stood for were realized with the election of President Barack Obama. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelly Timney)

Minot Air Force Base 2009

MINOT, N.D. – 1st Lt. Philip Blong, a member of the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard, plays taps following a moment of silence during the sixth annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life achievements at Minot State University’s Aleshire Theater here Jan. 19. 2009 was a year that brought progress and a renewed emphasis on safe, secure and reliable nuclear operations. The 91st Missile Wing transitioned to Air Force Global Strike Command with the 5th Bomb Wing scheduled to follow suit in 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelly Timney)

Base, community bond to celebrate MLK Jr.

MINOT, N.D. -- Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, speaks during the sixth annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life achievements at Minot State University’s Aleshire Theater here Jan. 19. The celebration was even more significant in 2009 because the principles MLK stood for were realized with the election of President Barack Obama. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelly Timney)

Base, community bond to celebrate MLK Jr.

MINOT, N.D. -- Jamillah Henson, a member of Minot Air Foce Base Gospel Choir, sings a solo during the sixth annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life achievements at Minot State University’s Aleshire Theater here Jan. 19. The celebration was even more significant in 2009 because the principles MLK stood for were realized with the election of President Barack Obama. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelly Timney)

Base, community bond to celebrate MLK Jr.

Published Jan. 21, 2009
By 2nd Lt. Kidron B. Vestal
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT, N.D. -- A former U.S. president once spent a fateful evening in a Washington, D.C., theater. On Monday, Jan. 19, a collective group of Airmen, their families and local residents of Minot filled Minot State University's Aleshire Theater to honor a man with a similar vision.

Martin Luther King Jr. shared a purpose with Abraham Lincoln, but it was in King's name that nearly 200 people gathered to remember the man who had a dream.

The Young Woman's Christian Association, Minot AFB and Minot State University collectively coordinated the celebratory affair, which included guest speaker Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, and a steady rhythm of performances and presentations.

The "I Have a Dream Speech" was delivered from beginning to end by base personnel of all ages, with intermittent musical and dance performances and video presentations.

The First Church Nazarene Quartet, the base Gospel Choir and Honor Guard each made musical contributions to the course of events. The Rinat Mouzafarov Dance Theater performed mid-way through, and video segments highlighted reflections from both MLK Jr., and President Barack Obama.

Eight-year-old David Jenner, son of Staff Sgt. Mark Jenner, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer and one of the night's performers, said, "Martin Luther King Jr., tried to help people...so that black people could do what white people do, and that white people could do what black people do."

Others felt the night's individual pieces highlighted remembrance of the past and hopes for the future.

Airman 1st Class Brandon Godfrey, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said it caused one to remember how America can come together because this night was for all races.
The night "captured the theme of unity and hope...and was enlightening," said Tom Lowman, 5th Force Support Squadron force development flight chief, who reflected his thoughts after the nights performances.

The underlying theme of the night was unity, and was felt by those in attendance.
The narrator, retired Master Sgt. Joseph E. Jackson, said "Martin Luther King Jr. wanted us to come together as one. This event, this forum, for this people, definitely expressed that."

For more information on MLK Jr. Day or other national observances, contact the Base Equal Opportunity Office at 723-2317.