One of the most important American holidays is upon us. Martin Luther King Day is as important a national holiday as Independence Day and Labor Day. The holiday has been shaped as a day on and not a day off of service to others.  The day of service is in line with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s religious teachings and the founding beliefs of our country.

Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most important people in American history.  He fought for the civil rights of all Americans, but more specifically for the rights of the powerless, the disenfranchised, and for citizens of color who were denied access to all that America has to offer.

All American citizens have a duty to help this country be true to its founding principles. As King demanded of the government in his last public speech delivered the night before he was murdered, America must “…be true to what you said on paper.” The papers he refers to are the Bill of Rights and the entire U.S. Constitution.  He often quoted the words of these documents to the powers that be while imploring the country to live up to the words used in the building of this country.  In perhaps his most famous speech, which was delivered at the March on Washington in 1963, King quoted many lines from the constitution including, “All men are created equal.”

King, who was taken from us at the young age of 39, continues to act as an inspiration to our youth, challenging them to make changes in the world, their country, and their school. He had an ability to speak and relate to multiple generations and races by bringing them together with the common principles of love, peace, and tolerance. His non-violent movement is a reminder that one is ever too young to incite change and that anyone and everyone no matter their economic or educational status can serve.

In his  “I have a Dream” speech, King expresses his vision of a nation that lives up to its Constitution’s promises. Though his dream has yet to be fully achieved, it is important that individuals initiate action during this holiday to better their communities.  These activities if sustained throughout the year can make all of our communities, including the North Penn community, better.