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Happy New Year!
This time of year is a great opportunity for each of us to stop and reflect upon our daily lives and what the future holds. It is important that we take the time to recognize and appreciate our many blessings as a nation, as an Army and as individuals. As you enter into this new year, I ask that you take the time to reflect on ways that you can improve your life, your family’s life and our nation’s life.
Jan. 17 we will honor the 81st anniversary of the birth of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1983, a national holiday was set aside to honor the realization of Dr. King’s dream of equality for all Americans. Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a lasting reminder of the legacy that this remarkable individual left behind.
Dr. King’s vision and courage helped lead the greatest civil rights movement in our nation’s history. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to his March on Washington, Dr. King selflessly and courageously crusaded for equality, dignity and respect for all. The movement he led aimed to guarantee that the values, principles and rights enumerated in our Constitution and its Bill of Rights was equally extended to all Americans, regardless of their ethnic or social backgrounds.
Shortly before signing Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law, President Ronald Reagan said, “Martin Luther King Jr. burned with the gospel of freedom, and that flame lit the way for millions. What he accomplished, not just for black Americans, but for all Americans (was to) lift a heavy burden from this country. As surely as black Americans were scarred by the yoke of slavery, America was scarred by injustice. Many Americans didn’t fully realize how heavy America’s burden was until it was lifted. Dr. King did that for us, (for) all of us.”
Dr. King’s simple, yet eloquent messages of peaceful equality transcend time. His conviction that “love conquers the hatred and bitterness that divides us” served as a catalyst for change that helped break down the social barriers that had segregated American society for far too long. His simple unifying message of “love thy neighbor” continues to serve as a beckon of tolerance, respect and inclusion. Few leaders have made such a profound impact on American society, and, indeed, on the world stage.
Thanks to Dr. King’s noble efforts America’s diversity remains one of our nation’s most valuable assets. Much like American society, our Army team is strengthened through the dynamic effects of our diversity. Dr. King’s birthday is an excellent time to focus on Dr. King’s messages of equality, dignity and respect toward all.
It is also a time to reflect on how we as individuals, acting upon Dr. King’s message of “love thy neighbor” can improve our society and our Army through a spirit of respect and inclusion for all.
I wish you a happy, healthy and productive 2011 filled with opportunities sought and fulfilled.
Happy New Year!
This time of year is a great opportunity for each of us to stop and reflect upon our daily lives and what the future holds. It is important that we take the time to recognize and appreciate our many blessings as a nation, as an Army and as individuals. As you enter into this new year, I ask that you take the time to reflect on ways that you can improve your life, your family’s life and our nation’s life.
Jan. 17 we will honor the 81st anniversary of the birth of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1983, a national holiday was set aside to honor the realization of Dr. King’s dream of equality for all Americans. Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a lasting reminder of the legacy that this remarkable individual left behind.
Dr. King’s vision and courage helped lead the greatest civil rights movement in our nation’s history. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to his March on Washington, Dr. King selflessly and courageously crusaded for equality, dignity and respect for all. The movement he led aimed to guarantee that the values, principles and rights enumerated in our Constitution and its Bill of Rights was equally extended to all Americans, regardless of their ethnic or social backgrounds.
Shortly before signing Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law, President Ronald Reagan said, “Martin Luther King Jr. burned with the gospel of freedom, and that flame lit the way for millions. What he accomplished, not just for black Americans, but for all Americans (was to) lift a heavy burden from this country. As surely as black Americans were scarred by the yoke of slavery, America was scarred by injustice. Many Americans didn’t fully realize how heavy America’s burden was until it was lifted. Dr. King did that for us, (for) all of us.”
Dr. King’s simple, yet eloquent messages of peaceful equality transcend time. His conviction that “love conquers the hatred and bitterness that divides us” served as a catalyst for change that helped break down the social barriers that had segregated American society for far too long. His simple unifying message of “love thy neighbor” continues to serve as a beckon of tolerance, respect and inclusion. Few leaders have made such a profound impact on American society, and, indeed, on the world stage.
Thanks to Dr. King’s noble efforts America’s diversity remains one of our nation’s most valuable assets. Much like American society, our Army team is strengthened through the dynamic effects of our diversity. Dr. King’s birthday is an excellent time to focus on Dr. King’s messages of equality, dignity and respect toward all.
It is also a time to reflect on how we as individuals, acting upon Dr. King’s message of “love thy neighbor” can improve our society and our Army through a spirit of respect and inclusion for all.
I wish you a happy, healthy and productive 2011 filled with opportunities sought and fulfilled.
