ALCOAST 003/18 - JAN 2018 2018 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FEDERAL HOLIDAY

R 051650Z JAN 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 003/18
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ:  2018 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FEDERAL HOLIDAY 
1.  For the past thirty-four years, Dr. Martin Luther King's life has been
celebrated on the third Monday closest to his birthday on January 15th.
2.  On this commemorative occassion, Americans of all ages, ethnicities and
religious backgrounds will join in a National Day of Service – “A Day On, Not
A Day Off” - to provide support and assistance to America's local communities. 
In keeping with Dr. King’s belief that life’s most urgent and persistent
question is “What are you doing for others?” this support is being extended
to communities that have been ravaged by hurricanes, fires and other natural
disasters. To this end, many churches, synagogues, mosques, national
organizations and Federal agencies, including the Coast Guard, are encouraging
support as they lead service projects throughout the United States and abroad.
3.  Additionally, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the tragic death
of the visionary civil rights leader, the National Civil Rights Museum asks
all to join in committing to a year of peace and action consistent with "The
MLK50 Pledge." This pledge will serve as a visible representation of what each
of us can do to improve the lives of others and to promote equal opportunity
for all.
4.  Whether from the Birmingham jail, behind the podium of a church pulpit, on
the streets of cities and towns across the Nation or at the Lincoln Memorial,
Dr. King shared his dream of what we can do to become a "Beloved Community," a
society based on economic and social justice where poverty, homelessness and
discrimination will no longer exist. As our Nation rededicates ourselves to the
principles of civility and respect for human/civil rights, we honor Dr. King’s
enduring values of hope, empowerment and equal rights.
5.  For more information about Dr. King’s life and legacy, visit
www.thekingcenter.org, and to learn more about The MLK50 Pledge, access the
following link: http://mlk50.civilrightsmuseum.org/.
6.  Ms. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7.  Internet release is authorized.