ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - For an enrapt audience of more than 500 Soldiers, civilians, retirees, Family members and students, The Rev. Dr. John G. Moore Sr. brought new life and meaning to the powerful, timeless words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual ceremony in memory of the slain civil rights leader hosted by Team APG at the Myer Auditorium Jan. 16.
"Today, we celebrate not just a man that truly exemplifies the Army's value of selfless service," Acting APG Senior Commander Col. Charles "Chuck" Gibson said during welcoming remarks. "Today, we celebrate not just a man but a movement that can be credited for reshaping the way America lives, conducts business, fights wars, teaches, learns, loves and praises."
Gibson challenged audience members to rededicate themselves to King's dream of racial, social and economic justice and equality.
"Dr. King's example and his enduring legacy offer proof that the contributions of a single person can help improve, inspire and transform an entire nation," Gibson said.
During Moore's presentation, titled "The Echoes of a Prophet" he recited portions of some of King's most inspirational speeches, including "Why Jesus Called a Man a Fool," "I Have a Dream," "The Drum Major Instinct," and "I've Been to the Mountaintop." Screens above the podium, meanwhile, flashed iconic images of King during the civil rights movement, including at the 1963 March on Washington.
Moore, a military retiree and vice president of Resource, Development and Strategic Partnerships for the United Way of Delaware, said he created "The Echoes of a Prophet" to help keep king's dream alive. For more than two decades, he has delivered "The Echoes of a Prophet" to schools, colleges, youth correctional facilities and organizational gatherings throughout the country, as well as in Germany, Japan and South Korea. Moore said between January and February, he averages between 30 and 40 speaking engagements.
"The message of King is so powerful and still relevant today. He can inspire all races and all faiths," Moore said. "With students especially, you have to do something different to get their attention."
After his reenactment, Moore asked the students in the audience to remember the acronym DREAM, which he said stands for "Dedicated, Resilience, Enthusiasm and Attitude and Motivated." More than 300 students from South Hampton Middle School, Saint Joan of Arc School and Joppatowne High School attended the gathering.
"I am doing a paper on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [Moore's] presentation helped me connect to what I am learning in school," Devin Smallman, a seventh grade student from South Hampton Middle School, said after the presentation. "It was interesting to hear what he said come to life today."
Cynthia Phillips from Army Contracting Command-APG said the presentation was enlightening and thought-provoking.
"[King] challenged others to think about what they can do to serve mankind," said Phillips. "He talked about doing things for the right reasons, not for selfish gain."
The program also included a recitation of King's famous quotes by Team APG committee members, Family and friends; a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Tiffaney Evans from the U.S. Research, Development and Engineering Command; the invocation from Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Bowerman from U.S. Army Public Health Command; and closing remarks from the Deputy to the Commanding General Gary Martin. Renee Sims from the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command served as the mistress of ceremonies.
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