Monday set aside to honor fallen Civil Rights leader

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had for a better future continues to inspire new generations of Americans.

That is why Congress voted in 1994 to transform the Jan. 15 national holiday in King's honor into a day of community service.

"During his lifetime, Dr. King sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important social and community issues," said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that leads the national effort to promote community service on King Day.

"Dr. King believed that service to others was the great equalizer, breaking down longstanding biases and barriers while helping to solve critical community problems. He also recognized how serving others can empower those who decide to give of their time and talents," said Eisner. "As Dr. King himself put it, 'Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.'"

Eisner said that many of the same problems that King confronted- poverty, racial inequality, generational despair- remain as significant challenges for our nation and that volunteering often is one of the most effective ways we have to overcome those hurdles.

"An estimated 15 million youths from disadvantaged circumstances are in need of a caring adult in their lives," Eisner said.

"Deciding to become a mentor and beginning your commitment on the King Holiday, would be a great way to honor Dr. King's legacy. But there are so many other ways to become engaged."

Just as they have in years past, hundreds of thousands of citizens across the country will spend the King holiday cleaning parks, painting classrooms, delivering meals to seniors, building playgrounds, serving meals at homeless shelters and performing countless other acts of service.

Most service projects also include time to reflect on King's life and teachings.

"Our goal is to transform the holiday from a day off to a day on- and in that way to foster a greater sense of community and caring," Eisner said.

"We encourage everyone to demonstrate their greatness on Jan. 15, and throughout the year, and to experience the satisfaction that results from helping others."

King Day of Service is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service and The King Center.

To learn more, visit www.mlkday.gov.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.