ALCOAST 470/20 - DEC 2020 2021 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 12/30/2020 02:09 PM EST

united states coast guard

R 301357 DEC 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 470/20
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2021 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
1. The United States will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on
January 18, 2021. The call for a national holiday in his name began soon after the iconic
civil rights leader was killed. A bill to establish it successfully passed through both
houses of Congress in 1983, President Reagan signed it into law on November 20th of that
year, and the first King Holiday was celebrated in 1986. In 1994, President Clinton signed
the King Holiday and Service Act, transforming the observance into a day for citizen action
and volunteerism. The perennial them is “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off.”
2. Dr. King was the primary spokesperson for nonviolent activism, a strategy that
successfully challenged racially discriminatory federal and state laws. Observing the King
Holiday through service is a way to begin each year with a commitment to making the Nation’s
communities better places for all. Dr. King’s vision of service and volunteering is critical
during this time of public health need and economic instability affecting people worldwide.
Working to serve others honors Dr. King’s life and teachings, and can bring people together
across all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated
as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their
communities.
3. All members of Coast Guard workforce are encouraged to dedicate their time in order to
support their communities through local service. In light of public health guidance during
the COVID-19 pandemic, please follow guidelines for in-person gatherings and use remote
collaboration platforms, websites, newsletters, and/or social media to celebrate the life
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
4. For more information about the national day of service, visit www.MLKDay.gov and to learn
more about Dr. King, go to https://thekingcenter.org.
5. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Civil Rights Director, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.