Personnel onboard the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Philadelphia honored the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a rousing program on January 28 to commemorate his birthday. “I’m so glad to be with you today to honor a man, with a vision, who changed the world as we know it, for the better. I encourage us all to continue doing our best to live up to that vision in our work…to treat each other with kindness,” said Mr. Rich Ellis, DLA Troop Support Deputy Commander in his opening remarks, emphasizing the annual theme of, “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off.” [capt
] The highlight of the event was marked by Key Arts Productions who presented the captivating “King’s Dream,” a multi-media production featuring poignant film clips as well as live music and vocal performances. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to join you in the celebration of the work of Dr. King … who gave his life for social justice,” commented Key Arts Production’s Joseph Patterson as he kicked off the powerful tribute. In addition to engaging attendees with archival film footage that featured some of King’s speeches, marches, and protests, Patterson encouraged audience participation during several songs where those present clapped and sang along to pieces such as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and the Civil Rights Movement anthem “We Shall Overcome.” Co-sponsored by the NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) Philadelphia Command Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (EEOAC) and DLA Troop Support EEO Office, the event also featured Command presentations to Key Arts Productions by Ellis on behalf of DLA Troop Support Commander Brig. Gen. Steven Shapiro, U.S. Army, and Capt. Rick Smitha, NAVSUP WSS Director, Engineering and Product Support, on behalf of NAVSUP WSS Commander Rear Adm. John King.
By Margaret Kenyon-Ely; NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Corporate Communications