Ken Hechler on MLK in Alexandria,Va 2009
Dr. Ken Hechler was invited by Dr. Victoria Dixon, Director, Human Relations, Equal Opportunity Program of the U.S. Dept. of the Army Test and Evaluation Command, to be the guest speaker at their 2009 Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 7, 2009. The event was held from 10:30 AM to 1 PM at their headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Victoria Dixon saw Ken give his presentation last August at the Pentagon in honor of the 60th anniversary of President Truman giving the executive order that desegregated the U.S. military and federal workforce and was so impressed, she sent a request asking him to speak to the Soldiers and Army civilians of ATEC.
Certificate given to Ken Hechler after his recent Alexandria, Va. presentation
A Soldier statue and Certificate of Achievement was given to Ken Hechler after his presentation by Major General Roger Nadeau, commander of the Army Test and Evaluation Command.
About 300 people attended the event including 9 students and 7 teachers and parents from the DeRidder High School Black Heritage Choir of DeRidder, Louisiana. They performed the National Anthem along with two musical selections during the event. Also attending as part of their education to witness “living American history” were fifty-six students from Randolph Elementary School, Arlington, Virginia. Opening remarks were made by Sergeant First Class Cynthia Pearson. Logan Thresher, Equal Opportunity Student Intern, who is a Marshall University student, introduced Congressman Hechler. Major General Nadeau gave the closing remarks.
Ken spoke extemporaneously about marching with MLK at Selma, showing three different video clips. He mentioned that when MLK gave his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, there were only 4 African-American members of Congress whereas there are now 42.
One student from DeRidder High School wrote this note to Ken - “Dr. Hechler spoke at a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and I was blown away! He is a true icon and brought tears to my eyes. I admire him for his courage, and I’m inspired by his life’s experiences. On this day, January 7, 2009, my life was changed for the better. “
Ms. Thresher sent Ken this note - “Dr. Hechler, Thank you for coming to ATEC. It was a superb ceremony & very educational. I am honored to have the opportunity to introduce a fellow Marshall family member. Thank you for all that you’ve done!”
Here are two more comments given by attendees -
It was outstanding to hear Dr. Hechler speak about Dr. King. I am a African America from
Itta Bena, MS, where segregation is still alive in some parts in the Southern states. Thank you for sharing that vision because I see now all that I have done to be successful in life was due to all that my fraternity brother did for us ALL. I tell my children, we represent a lot of people that have passed! I represent Dr. King, my father, my Family, and Historically Black Colleges.CPT Cedrick Dunham
Itta Bena, MS 38941
Dr. Hechler,
Totally incredible! Thank you so much for your time in sharing such history on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
[ As a teacher/professor for more than 60 years, Ken loves comments by all of his students and has shown several to me over the years. As he always says, ” I am ENERGIZED by my students! In my humble opinion, Ken is probably the greatest college professor who ever lived - from the viewpoint of his students. He recently told me about bringing a graduate class to meet President Hoover in NYC. His son told him that “the president doesn’t have time for students.” Ken and his class ended up staying all afternoon, talking to Hoover shortly after 1929..]
Just before leaving for Washington, Ken watched the newly released 94-minute documentary on MLK narrated by Tom Brokaw called “King.” He also read a large number of articles about African Americans in Congress given the historic inauguration of President-elect Obama soon. As a researcher for President Truman and presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson, Ken is the ultimate RESEARCHER.
January 22nd, 2009 at
Dr. Hechler, I am so happy that you came to ATEC to share your experiences with us of your involvement with the Civil Rights movement. Martin King’s vision of a mature America and an America that is ready to live up to its name, the United States, is on the heels of becoming a reality. There have been many solstices in an America leading up to that reality. The election of Barack Obama is one of them. The election of Barack Obama could not have happen without the motivation of Martin King and, the courage of so many people like you that took a stand on the right side. I hope that you continue to speck out and share your experiences with others, that they too might be encouraged to see the wisdom of Martin’s dream: The fulfillment of Martin’s dream will allow God to sluice us with his bountiful blessings, the likes of which America has yet to experience and the fullness of his promises. May God help you to help others to find the courage bring Martin’s dream to a parturition
February 16th, 2009 at
Dr. Hechler,
Thank you for your inspiring talk at ATEC. To hear an actual participant in such a momentous historical event was truly a once in a lifetime event for most of us. Your personal story and sharing of events gave us a new understanding of the difficulties people endured in fighting for true freedom for all people. God Bless you and all others who had the fortitude and understanding to stand up for right!