"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spent his entire life fighting for not only the rights of African Americans, but for all people," said Master of Ceremonies and Information Systems Technician Second Class Dante McCarthy. "For me, Martin Luther King Jr. Day makes me feel proud to be an African American, because others have gone through so much, as a people, and we have come so far in so few years."

The ceremony included a reading of King's iconic speech by members of the NPS Heritage Committee, and from volunteers across the campus and beyond.

"This is a day of motivation, as well as a day to remember where we came from, and to keep working towards all the things that our predecessors accomplished," said Ingram. "I want to be successful, or even more successful than he was, and to live up to the efforts that those who came before me fought for, to give me the life that I can live now."

The event was organized by the NPS Heritage Committee, charged with helping the university community observe the varied cultures and backgrounds represented in today's military. For more information, check out the NPS Heritage Committee website.