Make MLK's birthday 'on' day

  • Published
  • By Gloria Weatherspoon
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Equal Opportunity superintendent
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated and sacrificed his life for the welfare of others and for the betterment of our nation. We celebrate his life and legacy each year on the third Monday in January. This year the Martin Luther King Jr. observance is Jan. 16.

The theme for the MLK Jr. observance is "A Day of Service, make it a day on, not a day off." In honor of Dr. King's memory and service to others, American's across the globe will be planning and participating in events designed to give back to those in need in their local communities.

The act of remembrance of Dr. King's legacy through service was started by U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and Atlanta Congressman John Lewis, who co-authored the King Holiday and Service Act, starting the national Martin Luther King Day of Service. Since 1996, the annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service has been the largest event in the nation honoring Dr. King. As service members, we are taught early on that involvement in our local communities help strengthen the relationships with our neighbors.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the perfect way to honor the teachings of this great American. The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On Monday, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers and create solutions.

MLK Day of Service is the time for Americans to answer Dr. King's challenge to do something for others. Just as Dr. King set big goals and focused relentlessly on results, we need sustained citizen action to address today's social challenges. The MLK holiday shouldn't be the only time that we as American's extend our hand to help better our community.

Dr. King said it best, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve."

There are many opportunities in the surrounding area, that need volunteers, during this observance seek those opportunities out and give of your self to help others the way Dr. King gave of himself to help all man kind.