Civilian and military leaders have repeatedly praised the organizers of a Diversity Walk on Saturday that turned out thousands of Fort Leonard Wood soldiers and off-post civilians for a walk from Gammon Field on Fort Leonard Wood to the Waynesville city park.
Organized by the post to highlight racial diversity, the walk included a stop in St. Robert, where Mayor George Sanders spoke on the history of the city that still today has the highest minority percentage of any community in Pulaski County.
Sanders, who is African-American, has been in elected leadership in the city for nearly two decades, first as an alderman and now as mayor.
“Many of you know we are a city of diversity, a city built on hope, prosperity, a city of love, a city of giving but most of all a city that takes care of its citizens,” Sanders said. “When we think of the word ‘diversity’ we immediately think of race and quotas, but diversity goes far beyond that. Look at today, all of you gathered here in one place for one common goal, which is to walk and talk with each other and learn something about the person you are walking beside and one day you may be friends.”
Sanders described St. Robert’s history, its rapidly growing population, and the current state of city departments, key staff members, and schools and businesses that have moved to the area.
Col. John Megnia, Fort Leonard Wood’s garrison commander, issued a statement on Wednesday thanking the community for its support of the diversity walk.
“This is truly a wonderful community for our military to train, live and play, and you all demonstrate this each and every day,” Megnia said. “As we march forward with planning of the signing of community covenants to recognize the superb support provided to our soldiers and their families by our surrounding communities, I want to be sure you all know we recognize all that you do for us in supporting this installation. Many of the initiatives the Army is formalizing, we all as a community have practiced in the Ozarks for many, many years.”
Similar but spontaneous comments were also made by Waynesville council members at their Thursday night meeting.
“I am just really pleased at how well the diversity walk went with Fort Leonard Wood, St. Robert and Waynesville; that is one of the best events our community has pulled off in a long time,” said Councilwoman Adele Nickels.
Other council members agreed and said they were glad Waynesville could assist in hosting an event that brings civilian and military personnel together.