JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
As a nation, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on the third Monday in January. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. This is the only federal holiday that honors a person that is not a president.
It is a given that most people have heard or know of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. However, few people today may truly know his opinions on issues such as poverty, income inequality or that he was the youngest to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. During this day, we should take the time to truly appreciate and understand what is meant to be Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; to understand why he decided to stand up for equal rights for all, and not continue to stand on the sidelines.
Friday, January 15, JBA will kick off the celebrations to honor Dr. King, with a 5K run/walk at 7 a.m. at the West Fitness Center.
On Wednesday, January 20, the celebrations will continue with a luncheon at The Club starting at 11 a.m. with limited seating. The guest speaker for this event will be Dr. Jarris Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for the Strategic Diversity Integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Washington D.C.
Let each one of us reflect on how we can embody a mindset such as that of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in our daily lives and as we go forth into this new year and honor his legacy, let us "REMEMBER! CELEBRATE! ACT!" on this "Day On, NOT A Day Off!"