Legionnaires urged to share their commemorations of the holiday at Legiontown.org.
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The holiday honors the birth of the civil rights leader and Nobel Prize recipient.
Eleven years later, in 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the King Holiday and Service Act. The act established the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans from different races and backgrounds to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities.
American Legion Family members regularly participate in Martin Luther King Day observances, and this year is no exception. MLK Day falls on Monday, Jan. 20, this year; below are just a few examples of how the day will be honored by the Legion Family.
Legionnaires taking part in MLK Day and Day of Service events are encouraged to share their efforts at www.legiontown.org .
Delaware
In Millsboro, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 will hold a collection drive for the food pantry beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 20 at the VA Wilmington Healthcare System to honor Dr. King. Donations sought include breakfast and protein bars, oatmeal packs, microwaveable meals, tuna, rice, crackers, teabags and similar nonperishable items.
Wilmington VA staff will distribute the bags to whomever is in need.
Georgia
In Waycross, American Legion Post 517 has organized a Day of Service on Jan. 18 to honor Dr. King that will serve as a community give-back. The event includes a clothing drive, food and representatives from resources available in the community.
Missouri
In Edwardsville, American Legion Post 199 is teaming with the Hugh J. White Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. to celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 20 at the post. Post 199 is donating a portion of the day’s proceeds to the Hugh J. White Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
North Carolina
In Winston-Salem, American Legion Post 128 is hosting its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon & Fundraiser from 2-6 p.m. Attendees have the option of paying $5 or donate three canned goods.
Pennsylvania
· In Lansdale, Post 206’s American Legion Family has been collecting donations for East Fallowfield Elementary School’s MLK Day supply and food drive to support veterans in the community. Unit 206 has been collecting personal hygiene items, clothing, canned goods and more.
· In Ambler, American Legion Post 769 is hosting its annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Breakfast. The scholarship program provides graduating seniors with financial assistance to pursue a college education.
Texas
· In San Antonio, Fred Brock-American Legion Post No. 828’s MLK Day Celebration includes a coffee social, lunch and live music.
· In Marshall, George A. Thompson American Legion Post 878 participated in the Jan. 11 NAACP Harrison County Branch No. 6185 annual MLK grand parade.
- Honor & Remembrance