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'His message is eternal' By Amber Fossen Ashland Daily Tidings In a crowded room on the Southern Oregon University campus, the 15th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration was held in honor of a man whose legacy continues to influence, inspire and change the world. More than 500 people packed the Britt Ballroom Monday - with an additional 100 listening outside -for a spiritual remembrance of King's life and message. As King's words were read to an appreciative audience, the past and the present state of the nation became parallels in time. Brent Florendo, a Native American Studies instructor at Southern Oregon University, leads fellow drummers in a traditional prayer during Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at SOU. Ashland Daily Tidings/DENISE BARATTA Reading from "Beyond Vietnam" - King's formal public declaration of opposition to U.S. military action in Vietnam - keynote speaker G. Valmont Thomas, an Oregon Shakespeare Festival actor, used King's own words to address a nation on the brink of war. "A time comes when silence is betrayal and that time has come for us in relation to Vietnam," Valmont quoted from King's speech that was delivered April 4, 1967 to clergy and laymen concerned over the impending war. As America stands close to entering another war, Valmont urged citizens to discuss what is happening in the world today. "Don't let me be misunderstood, I love this country. But we have in front of us a moment in time that endangers us all and the big danger is not looking at it and not talking about it," Valmont said. Talent resident Pam Chaddock attended the event for the first time, saying that she has always admired King. "You hear his speech and it could have been written today. His message is eternal," Chaddock said. The celebration was sponsored by the Ashland School District, OSF, City of Ashland, Jefferson Public Radio and SOU. Tim Bond, OSF associate artistic director, and Maria Kelly, SOU program board coordinator, organized the event. Municipal Judge Phil Arnold emceed. Those who honored King through music, dramatic readings and performances include: special guest Lester Chambers, one of the original Chambers Brothers; SOU's Native American Student Union and SOU's Black Student Union; Ashland Middle School; Ashland High School; Ashland singer-songwriter Alice Di Micele; Walker Elementary School; and OSF. The performances brought tears to the eye and had feet thumping in unison. And while the music evoked emotion, Valmont's message conjured contemplation. "As we stand at this place, what do we do, what's to be done? For me, I would just ask you to try and listen as much as you talk. Try to fight whatever you see as the war here in Ashland," Valmont said. Ashland resident David Shindelman and his family have attended the celebration for the last several years because they find King's message impressive. "It's been really inspirational to come here and remember what he said," Shindelman said. "Beyond Vietnam" was delivered by King exactly one year to the day before his assassination in 1968. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -