Martin Luther King Jr. is a man everyone has heard of. He is many hero to many, and someone that we all look up to. His bravery and courage is not forgotten, even after all these years. Many people celebrate his accomplishments, but what better way is there to honor him, than to make his birthday an American federal holiday? Two men, Representative John Conyers and Senator Edward Brooke introduced the idea to Congress after King died. It was shot down many times, but in the end, a day is taken off every year in his honor.

There is no set date for this holiday. King’s birthday is January 15, but instead of a steady date each year, it is always on the third Monday of January. This year, it is on Monday the 19th. MLK Jr. Day is a holiday that Americans across the country come together to serve their neighbors and communities. Many people think of it as a chance to start a new year fresh. Teachers tell their students about the works of MLK Jr., and others let their students present a big project such as a poster or presentation about King. Some people help out in the community, volunteering in Citizen Action Groups. Everyone tries to keep a positive attitude and help others throughout the day. Just holding open a door, cleaning up trash at a nearby park, or any act of selflessness are meaningful and honorable on this coming Monday.

The whole idea of helping out others formed since MLK Jr. did just that. His values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, and service impressed everyone in the nation, and even others across the world. If you remember this holiday just as a day off of school or work, think differently. This day is to “celebrate the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America,” Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, said. After her husband’s death, she fought to keep his memory living in the heart of America. She has made many statements, including one called The Meaning of The King Holiday.

Many different stores and restaurants close for this day. Some schools close, too, while others stay open and educate their pupils about what King did. In other states, this holiday has different names, such as Civil Rights Day and Human Rights Day. In Wyoming, it is called Wyoming Equality Day. But no matter what it is called, this day bonds all Americans together to help each other out.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”