Shaw luncheon celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day Published Jan. 30, 2006 By Tarsha Storey 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equality and hope has inspired countless people through the years since his speech in 1963.In observance of his birthday and the civil liberties he helped to establish, the Shaw Black Heritage Committee will present the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2006 luncheon celebration Jan. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the Carolina Skies Club. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 for non-members, said Chief Master Sgt. Perry Pettiford, Shaw’s BHC vice president.“He is the only African-American to have his birthday recognized nationally,” said Maj. Paulette Jordan, Shaw’s BHC president.Chief Pettiford said the theme for the luncheon is “Remember! Celebrate! Act!” to help remind Americans not to take their civil rights for granted.“We need to remember all the things he did (for civil rights), why he did them and the benefits we’re getting out of them,” said Chief Pettiford.During the luncheon, a rendition of Dr. King’s speech will be presented by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Otis Mitchell from Fort Jackson, said Maj. Jordan.“Three years ago, I saw him do a rendition of ‘I have a dream.’ I talked to him afterwards and he told me he had done the rendition three years ago in front of the King family. When he does a speech by (Dr. King), he sounds just like him,” said Maj. Jordan.The event is not only to celebrate the birth of Dr. King and the civil rights movement, it will also serve to start off the festivities for Black History Month in February, said Chief Pettiford.All Shaw members are invited to attend the luncheon. There will also be musical entertainment to celebrate the holiday. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Chief Pettiford at 895-1194 or Maj. Jordan at 895-4416.