MLK day: a day on, not a day off

  • Published
  • By Danny Webb
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On Jan. 15 at 3:30 pm, the Sheppard African American Heritage Committee hosted an observance service for the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with guest speaker CMSgt (ret.) Philip Jelks-Browning at the Solid Rock Café.

This year's theme is "Remember, celebrate and act: a day on, not a day off".

The service focused on remembering Dr. King and the significance of his life's work and accomplishments, as well as what individuals can do today to honor those accomplishments.

"I was disappointed when my ten year old daughter, Jada, told me she did not know who Dr. King was," Browning said. "Many others have given the same answer, only seeing this day as a day off and forgetting the significance of it and the impact to our current lives."

While Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, the goal of the theme is to encourage people to give back to their communities as a tribute to King's lifetime of dedication to public service.

"America will always remember Dr. King as his legacy lives in each one of us," Browning said. "Therefore we are responsible for promoting, teaching and living his dream."

Many of Dr. King's speeches, including is most famous "I have a dream" speech, centered around the ideas of a nation of freedom and justice for all, as well as living the "American dream" and making the country a better place to live.

"On this MLK day I encourage you to celebrate this day, not simply as a day off, but as a day on," Browning said. "Take this opportunity to make our community a better place."

For more information on ways to get involved and give back to the community, see the volunteer request link on the Sheppard homepage (www.sheppard.af.mil).