Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. who was an influential American civil rights leader. King is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport, schools, and for racial equality in theUnited States.
One wall of the Martin Luther King Memorial
Today, in the United States, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day. Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the “I Have a Dream” speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.
The campaign calling for a federal holiday in honor of King began soon after he was assassinated in 1968. Following the support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single “Happy Birthday” and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983 when Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law. The holiday was first observed Jan. 20, 1986. It wasn’t until 2000 that it was officially observed in all 50 states.
Today is the Presidential Inauguration held in Washington DC. The official theme for the 2013 inauguration is “Faith in America’s Future,” commemorating the United States’ perseverance and unity, marking the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome in 1863.
It will be a very busy day which will include the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade and numerous inaugural balls and galas honoring Barack Obama as the elected President of theUnited States.
I love the city of Washington DC but I am glad that I can watch the ceremonies on my TV. Somehow the idea of an extra million people in the city is overwhelming to me.
Someday, I hope that Clay Aiken will be asked to participate in the Inaugural Festivities. He would be wonderful singing the National Anthem or singing at one of the Inaugural Balls.
Do you remember when Clay sang on the Capitol Mall in Washington DC? It was beautiful!