MLK commemorative service a reminder of service, sacrifice Published Jan. 20, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Airmen and their families received a message of encouragement at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorative service, Jan. 16, 2014. The commemorative sermon, delivered by Shreveport Community Church pastor Denny Duron, taught principles from the sermons of Martin Luther King Jr. and afterward, refreshments were served in the Chapel 2 Annex. "Martin Luther King made an everlasting impact, not only on our country, but on the thinking of the world," said Duron in his sermon. "He was on the verge of launching great opportunities and ideas for his people to break into the closed doors that had been there for so many years." Duron said he wanted the congregation to act courageously in any given opportunity. The MLK commemorative service was the product of more than eight months of preparation. "My goal for this event was to encourage everyone at Barksdale," said Victoria Ewing, 2nd Contracting Squadron contracting specialist. "That was Dr. King's message: Service to others and encouraging everyone. He definitely demonstrated service before self." Demonstrating acts of service isn't limited to an Air Force core value, however, it's something anyone can do to make a positive impact in people's lives. "The man was a great leader in our history, but you don't have to have a college degree to serve," Duron said. "You only need a heart of grace." Throughout his career, Dr. King peacefully demonstrated what it means to serve. "Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable," said Dr. King. "Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle - the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." Through the life of Dr. King, the commemorative service was a reminder of the service of one man and how Airmen and their families can be courothers and serve others.