Sailing on the open sea doesn't stop Independence Sailors from celebrating great men who have changed the course of American history.
Recently, more than fifty crewmembers joined together in observance of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Six lit candles, organ music, and several renditions from the Indy Gospel choir contributed to the overall atmosphere in Wardroom Two.
"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that all men were created equal," said Lt. Stephen Allen, IM-4 division officer and a native of Hamilton, Ohio, who was the keynote speaker. "He challenged a nation to be true to the believes of their forefathers who wrote the constitution."
During the ceremony the audience had a chance to sing with the gospel choir which is made of 11 choir members. Rank plays no part in this choir as anyone on board can join to sing praises. King was a significant contributor to the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950's and early 1960's, earning him the 1964 Nobel Peace prize. His life was violently ended when an assassin shot and killed him at age 39.
King's legacy and vision is still clear today, and no clearer a testament to the then when one witnesses celebrations decades later.
Photos by PHAN Chris Howel