Today we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the federal holiday in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. MLK Day is a holiday that has been gaining in recognition since Congress passed a bill and President Ronald Reagan signed it in 1983, designating the third Monday in January, starting in 1986, to honor the civil rights leader. For years, some states declined to participate in the holiday. Arizona even lost the opportunity to host a Super Bowl over it. It wasn't until 2000 when South Carolina became the last state to recognize the holiday.
However, a Bloomberg BNA survey last year found that fewer than 40% of American workers are given the day off -- about the same as Presidents Day and far behind the nearly universal observance of such holidays as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Whether or not you have the day off, it's worth reflecting on the life and philosophy of the man we honor AND you certainly choose a something to do, BIG or small, to commemorate the day.
Had an assassin's bullet not taken his life at the age of 39, King would have turned 87 on Friday. Had he lived we can be sure he would have continued to inspire hope and challenge us to fulfill his dream of a more inclusive society where everyone would have an equal opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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