1/17/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Martin Luther King Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:
"As America commemorates the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we call upon all Airmen to reflect on Dr. King's enduring legacy and on the importance of service in the cause of justice, equality, and freedom.
"At the height of the U.S. civil rights movement, Dr. King rallied our Nation to live up to the promise of full equality under the law, without regard to race, color, or creed. Striving to build on Dr. King's legacy today, we have a responsibility to ensure that all Americans enjoy their right to equal opportunity and constitutional protections.
"Air Force leaders are committed to these values, and through your service, Airmen play a vital role in supporting and defending the freedoms that generations of Americans fought to secure. On Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, we encourage you to pause and consider the lasting impact of Dr. King's ideals and their continuing relevance today."
Comments
1/18/2013 11:30:16 AM ET Not only the ones after him but the ones before him as well. Some people need to realize that Martin Luther King Day is not a day off it's a day on
Aursula, Dyess AFB
1/18/2013 8:51:54 AM ET I agree with acknowledging Dr. King accomplishments and everything he did to help out with the segregation laws. I like that we have a day in observance set for every third monday in January. But however why do we not recognize that his real birthdate is January 15th. on the front page of the portal it says Happy Birthday Dr. King January 21 when that is the observance date not his birthday. I just think this sends out misleading information.
Unknown, unknown
1/18/2013 7:06:59 AM ET Truly a constitutional advocate of the highest caliber. Combined with his fierce determination to peaceful protesting those things which diminish freedoms Airmen all can honorably execute their oaths emulating his courage.
Alan F. Schechter CMSgt US Air Force Retired, Munich Germany
1/17/2013 1:44:49 PM ET It is a blessing that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many after him have sacrificed themselves for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. I continually thank God for the diverse men and women of the United States Air Force who sacrifice themselves to make sure our freedom is sustained in this Great Land called America. God Bless America
