Today is a federal holiday here in the United States as we celebrate Marting Luther King Jr. Day.

The holiday was created by legislation and signed into law by President Reagan on November 2nd, 1983.  The legislation established the third Monday of each January as a federal holiday honoring Dr. King.

It was first observed on January 20th, 1986.  By the time of its observance in January 2000 all states official observed the holiday.  (I scratch my head over why it took some of the states so long to get onboard, but it’s not surprise that there were lots of politics involved!)

This year’s observation is made even more poignant as it comes the day before we inaugurate the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.

 

 

Image credit:  wikimedia

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