May 19, 2013
Fort Rucker - "I have a dream."
Immortal words from the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fort Rucker leaders say his dream is a reality at the Army post.
"This right here at Fort Rucker is Martin Luther King's vision. No matter who you are or what your background is, everybody is equal. Everybody has the same opportunities as everyone else," said COL Stuart J. McRae, Fort Rucker Garrison Commander.
Events in the Wiregrass
Saturday
King Memorial Prayer Breakfast
8 a.m. Ozark, Perry Recreation Center
Sunday
5 p.m. Enterprise, Pleasant Shade Missionary Baptist Church
Keynote speaker, the Rev. Charles Kelley of Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Salem
Monday
7 a.m. Dothan, Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
North Highland Baptist Church Fellowship Hall - $5 donation
9:30 a.m. Dothan, King Memorial March
Begin at Piggly-Wiggly (Montgomery Highway) Parking Lot to First Missionary Baptist Church- 204 West Newton Street. Program begins at 11 am.
10 a.m. Ozark, Dale County Courthouse
King Memorial March
11:30 a.m. Ozark, Flowers Center for the Performing Arts
King Memorial Service and Tribute
Keynote speaker, U.S. Army Chaplain (Ret.) Alexander C. Brown Jr.
Thursday, people gathered in the Fort Rucker theater for "Peace! Passion! Purpose!," a program to commemorate Dr. King's passion for service.
"Find your purpose. A way to serve. Live with passion so at the end of your life you can be like Dr. King who spoke of his happiness and no fear in his last speech, he had his inner peace," said the guest speaker, Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz.
Schmitz said this inner peace is achievable. Young or old, everybody can be great because everybody can serve.
"Like he said, 'If you're not serving others, you are wasting your life.' You get so much more out of helping others than you do helping yourself. It's a blessing for you as well as for other people. It's something our community does, and I'm blessed to be part of it," said Schmitz.
"It was wonderful, and it emphasized one of the points I believe Dr. King strived toward and that was service to all mankind. Dr. King worked for equality toward everyone, and for me I believe I have the opportunities that I have because of his service for all," said Oretha Harper, Ozark.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was first observed on January 20, 1986. The holiday is held every 3rd Monday in January.
