“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Americans first celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s birthday (January 15) as a federal holiday in 1986. But it’s not just a day off of school! Congress also declared the third Monday in January a national day of service in 1994. This year we observe this special day on Monday, January 16.
Each year the President releases a proclamation (full text) about Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Last year President Obama said, “NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 19, 2015, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service projects in honor of Dr. King and to visit www.MLKDay.gov to find Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service projects across our country.”
What kind of projects can you do? Anything! Whatever you choose to do, you are helping to honor Dr. King and his vision. The Corporation for National & Community Service recommends projects that can continue to benefit your community throughout the year and offers some ideas and tools to get you started. You can search for events in your area or register your own event so other people can find it and join you in your efforts!
“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
