To liberate, not to conquer Published Feb. 21, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Jadale Staten Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Legal Office JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- This is a poem by Staff Sgt. Jadale Staten on the 1963 civil rights march on Washington, D.C. It was not about the synchronized steps or being harmonious. It was not at all about a common skin gradient. It was not about hate. It was not about anger. It was not a vengeful act. Not a single step was in effort to prove superiority. Not a single member stepped with malicious intent. This was not a dangerous crowd. These were not villains. These were civilized people. Their reasons were justified. Their actions were pure. Their intentions were honest. They were led not by an individual, but individual desire. There was no rally for members. There was no initiation process. This was not an official party. These were humans. These were parents. These were children. They were students. They were heroes. They were determined. This group was just as equal. This group was just as righteous. This group was just as capable. This group was just as deserving. This group has wept. This group has loved. This group has mourned. This group has endured. This group has given for their country without slight reciprocity, yet they remain. This group is devoted. This group has gathered with pride. Together this group stands for change. Together this group promotes change. Together this group will make a difference. Together, as they marched on Washington in the year of one thousand nine hundred sixty-three, this group paved a way for the future. Today, in the year of two thousand thirteen, we stand! We stand united! We stand equal! We stand free! In honor of those who stood for freedom. In honor of those who stepped for equality. In honor of those that marched to liberate, not to conquer.