WASHINGTON — On Monday, Jan. 17, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary will join the millions of Americans in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pioneer who would ultimately lay down his life for the cause of civil rights.
“It is so important for all of us to remember Dr. King,” said VFW National Commander Fritz Mihelcic. “As veterans who have fought for others freedom overseas, we uniquely understand the need for peace and justice. In his own way, Dr. King fought so that ‘We the People’ may have the same peace, fairness, and equality amongst all of us, not just some, here at home.”
Born on Jan. 15, 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and activist who championed the cause of civil rights from 1955 until he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 just days after his death solidified his life’s work in fighting for social justice and against discrimination.
Since passing into law as a federal holiday in 1983, the observance of Dr. King’s birthday on the third Monday each January has served as a day of service, ‘a day on, not a day off.’ In a salute to Dr. King, the VFW encourages its members, the Auxiliary, supporters and all Americans to honor his legacy through volunteerism in their communities across the country.
“By getting out into our local communities, recognizing, learning from and serving one another, and treating everyone with understanding, dignity and respect, we carry on Dr. King’s dream of our nation living out the true meaning of its creed,” said Mihelcic, quoting King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.”