Yesterday was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.  His birthday is observed on the third Monday in January when schools and businesses will be closed.  It is a day to commemorate this great man's contributions to all of humankind.

Dr. King dedicated his life to achieving equality and justice for all Americans of all colors. He believed that peaceful refusal to obey unjust law was the best way to bring about social change.

The MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." The MLK Day of Service is a part of the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."

The day is an opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service and volunteerism. Think about the great lessons that this will teach your children.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

Here are some local events taking place:

• Long Island Volunteer Center 
  They are hosting a Book and School Supply Drive to help the victims of Sandy.
• MLK Day of Service 
  Find a project by zip code.
• Long Island Children's Museum  
  Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is for kids ages 5 and up to draw inspirations from his life, speech, and visions as they produce artwork of peace.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Multiculutral Interfaith Service & Concert 
  Exhibits of programs that support hungry, homeless and ill housed people on Long Island.  Please bring a healthy and nutritious food donation for local food pantries.
• Honoring American Veteran's  
  American Veterans of VFW Post 2912 are invited for an afternoon of recognition and thanks in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Dr. King Commerative March  
  Participants will walk the same route that Dr. King walked when he visited Long Beach in the late 1960's.
• There are many events taking place at Libraries.