The Meaning Behind Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a relatively new federal
holiday. It is a day that celebrates the life and achievements of this great
American Civil Rights Leader. He brought hope and healing to our nation and his
timeless values, those of courage, truth, compassion, and justice, are forever
remembered. In the words of Coretta Scott King, “on this holiday, we
commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that
empowered his revolutionary spirt”.
When it came down to it, Dr. King didn’t just talk the talk.
He truly walked the walk and that’s what makes his words so credible. He fought
racial injustice and he fought for equality. He dreamed of a color-blind
society and put his life on the line each day for this movement he truly
believed in.
His most famous address was the “I Have A Dream” speech. He
advocated for non-violent protests and he became the youngest man to be awarded
the Nobel Peace Prize. Unfortunately, in 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. was
assassinated.
Shortly after Dr. King died in 1968, a campaign was started
for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill had
been introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. The
bill was endorsed in 1976. With the support of Stevie Wonder and a petition
with six million signatures, the bill became a law in 1983. The holiday was
first observed in 1986, but wasn’t observed in all states until 2000.
Today, this great holiday is celebrated in U.S.
installations and is observed by local groups in more than 100 other nations. The
King holiday should be about remembrance and celebration. It should also
encourage people everywhere to take time and reflect on the principles of
nonviolent social change. It should be a day that is dedicated to both
community and humanitarian service. O’Donnell Law Center will be closed on Martin
Luther King Jr. Day and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January
16th.
We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.
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Phone: (573) 552-0317
O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3
Osage Beach, MO 65065
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