Photo by Dick DeMarsico and courtesy of the U.S. Library of Congress.

January 20 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

During his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. encouraged all citizens to pursue the purpose and potential of America. He strived to realize the dream of equality and a nation that affords freedom and justice for all.

King has now been dead longer than he lived. He was born in 1929 and would have been 91 years old this year. He was a Baptist minister, humanitarian and activist. He is best known for his pivotal role in the advancement of civil rights in America.

King led an extraordinary life. At 33, he was pressing the case of civil rights with President John Kennedy. At 34, he galvanized the nation with his “I Have A Dream” speech. At 35, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. At 39, he was assassinated, but he left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues today.

It is testament to his life that almost every city and town has something named after him. He spoke of equality and sharing the wealth of the nation, which we now call diversity and inclusion. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, was the hallmark of this man’s great life and love for all humanity. It was his objection to the war in Vietnam that led many to see that he was not just a man worried about the people of the United States. As he said in his Nobel Peace Prize address, he was a man working for change and hope for all people. His letter from a Birmingham Jail explained the Civil Rights Movement as a movement whose time had come.

He led thousands of Americans from all walks of life and races in peaceful demonstrations that broke the back of Jim Crowism in America. The fact that those participating in marches and demonstrations led by and or supported by King were examples of those fostered by Gandhi in India. The actions of the segregationist against the demonstrators was for once put into every home in America by the news media. Soon the conscience of the nation was drawn to the plight of those who were peacefully demonstrating but being brutalized by the police and local government officials being broadcast nightly into every American home.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while supporting local garbage collectors in Memphis, Tennessee. One shot rang out and a great man fell to his death. However, this was not the death of the movement he started but rather the second start and galvanization of the American conscience. During the 1968 Presidential Election, George Wallace, former governor of Alabama, who made a historical stand in the door of the University of Alabama in support of segregation, publically apologized for what he had done and declared that King’s death was a tragedy for the nation and the world. He lauded King for his steadfast but nonviolent demonstrations that led to so many people being protected by the laws of the land.

In 1983, legislation was signed to create a holiday honoring King. The U.S. Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1994 as a federal holiday and a national day of service, and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. King once said, Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?

The third Monday in January each year, Americans answer that question by coming together on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to serve their neighbors and communities. The day represents an opportunity to start the year off right by making a positive impact in one’s community. It is a way to channel King’s life and teachings into community action.

King encouraged all citizens to apply the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live -- popularizing the notion of “The Beloved Community.” In King’s “Beloved Community,” people and communities would be united by inclusion, shared prosperity and peaceful conflict resolution.

In the spirit of the “Beloved Community,” King’s day of service is an opportunity to live out his teachings. Volunteering remains a vibrant part of our nation’s fabric. It reaches across generations, enriching both our communities and those who serve.

USAG Benelux Equal Opportunity Office and 424th squadron will present a special celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day. The theme is “Serve, Remember! Celebrate! Act!” The ceremony will be held on Jan. 21, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the multi-purpose room, Bldg. 20005, on Chièvres Air Base.

To learn more about King's life and legacy, visit http://www.thekingcenter.org/about-dr-king.

Courtesy of the Gazette