Category: History and current events

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Reverend Dr. King led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. His famous “I have a dream” speech, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. is remembered, read, and recited by people all over the country

On the third Monday of January, the United States observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as an official federal holiday.

The Reverend Dr. King led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. His famous “I have a dream” speech, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is remembered, read, and recited by people worldwide on the anniversary of his birth.

"I have a dream"
Plaque honoring “I have a dream” speech by Dr. King

“Martin Luther King’s commitment to nonviolent advocacy,  coupled with service, won the hearts and minds of many Americans. King’s public and civil advocacy,coupled with a willingness to serve the most vulnerable, brought genuine transformation.

Though he did not possess all the markers of power, he brought doctoral-level training and broad cultural experience to his philosophical personalism and commitment to dignity of all people…as America’s most effective prophet…his  movement’s power was not in its social location but rather in its gospel commitment to truth, love and service. “

Gabriel Salguero,president of the National  Latino Evangelical Coalition, writing in Christianity Today ,November 2015

Martin Luther King Jr. at Biography.com

“King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, among several other honors. He continues to be remembered as one of the most influential and inspirational African-American leaders in history.” Continue reading at the link

Violence-a tragic legacy

Dr. King’s life reminds us of the tragic effects of violence. His life ended suddenly and prematurely when, on April 4, 1968, an assailant shot him as he stood on a hotel balcony. He had delivered his last speech just the day before. The shooter was apprehended, and after confessing to the murder, sentenced to life in prison where he died.

Most people know of Dr. King’s assassination, but don’t know his mother, Alberta Williams King, also died violently. At age 69, sitting at the organ of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Mrs. King was shot and killed on June 30, 1974. Her  23-year-old assailant received a life sentence and died in prison.

The following book suggestions lead to affiliate links that may pay a commission to this blog at no extra cost.

A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches A Gift of Love: Sermons from Strength to Love and Other Preachings

And a biography about Dr. King written for children I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am Martin Luther King book

exploring the HEART of health and history

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr’s Life and Legacy

Every year the United States and the world remembers and honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Former President Biden’s proclamation urged Americans to honor King’s legacy through community service. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial symbolizes his vision of a “Beloved Community,” reminding all to continue fighting for equality and justice.

Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

Honoring Those Who Served

Veterans Day on November 11 honors those who served in the U.S. armed forces. The Veterans Administration supports veterans through health care, education, and research. Personal stories highlight the ongoing impact of veterans, including therapeutic relationships with pets and reflections from veterans of past conflicts, emphasizing resilience and community connection.

updated November 4, 2024

In the United States we reserve November 11, the date of the Armistice of World War I, as Veterans Day, to remember and honor all who do or have served in our armed forces.

The Veterans Administration provides benefits to veterans including health care. The VA Health Care System, or VHA,  one of the largest in the world, not only cares for veterans’ health, but also  provides medical education and medical research.

If you have ever received care from a physician who trained in the United States, that doctor likely learned from a veteran in a VHA facility. So our veterans continue to serve even after they leave military service. 

Welcome home heroes sign on a VA clinic
a Veterans Administration clinic

Here are several stories about veterans. Enjoy them, and thank the veterans you know this week.

disabled veteran patch

One Dog’s Powerful Healing Effects on Two Wounded Veterans

I believe your heart will be touched by this  story about the special relationship between  a wounded veteran and his therapy dog. Mine certainly was.

“It’s been quite a journey for U.S. Army veteran Justin Lansford and his canine companion, Gabe.

In 2012, Lansford lost his left leg in an IED explosion in Afghanistan.”

My husband served in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam in the 1970s. Here is his story –

From bullets to blessings-one man’s journey to recovery from war

“I didn’t want to ever go to Vietnam again when I came home in 1972 after a one-year tour of duty with the United States Army. I was stationed with the Americal Division, 3/18 Field Artillery Battalion near Tra Bong, a major village located about 25 miles west of Chu Lai, the headquarters of the Americal Division, on “China Beach” at the South China Sea.”

man next to concrete bunker at China Beach
Raymond visiting an old war bunker on China Beach

 

A veteran dishes out love– personal reflections from a Vietnam veteran

“The people around us are starving for love and we need to unlock our pantry and see to it that everybody gets a belly full.”

clowns entertain Vietnamese people
A veteran and his wife clown for people at a humanitarian outreach in Vietnam.
two soldiers statue
memorial statue at Canon City, Colorado-photo by Dr Aletha 

exploring the HEART of health

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Dr Aletha