Officials within the armed forces and civilians alike are celebrating the construction of a new ship within America's naval fleet.

Jackson, Mississippi bore witness to a unique moment in history, with Navy brass and local officials all celebrating the commission of the USNS Medgar Evers.

Named to honor the legendary civil rights hero turned martyr, the ship is a T-AKE supply ship, making it an integral part of was efforts in both theaters.

Held at the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute on Citizenship and Democracy on the campus of Jackson State University, several dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the momentous occasion, including Mrs. Myrlie Evers-Williams, Medgar Evars widow. Congressman Bennie Thompson, Mayor of Jackson Harvey Johnson, and former Mississippi Governor William Winter were also present for the presentation.

T-AKE model ships have traditionally been named after Americans that embody the dreams and ideals that shape the American spirit, with distinguished Americans such as Carl Brashear, Sacagawea, and Amelia Earhart all garnering ships in their honor.

Medgar Evers was a prolific civil rights activist and member of the NAACP. He was assassinated by the coward Byron De La Beckwith, a member of the White Citizens Council and the Ku Klux Klan.