JBPHH Celebrates MLK

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin R. Pacheco, NPASE West, Detachment Hawaii

The Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Joint Forces Diversity Committee hosted a special event in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Sharkey Theater, Jan. 23.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday that celebrates the legacy of Dr. King and acknowledge his work to fight segregation and racial inequality.

“He fought for peace and justice for everyone, no matter the color of their skin,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cerica Myhand, who acted as Master of Ceremonies at the event. “Without his dream, I don’t think our unity in the military would be where it is now.”

At the ceremony, JBPHH Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Bernard delivered remarks, followed by Hawaii-state Representative Cedric Gates regarding this year’s theme, “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off!”

Following the celebration, a special meal was offered at the Silver Dolphin Bistro open to all active-duty personnel, retirees, Department of Defense employees, and escorted family members.

King was an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 until his assassination in 1968. King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, as well as tactics his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi helped inspire.

This holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around King’s birthday, January 15.