Gratitude Monday & Freedom/Acceptance
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15. The floating holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, though the act predated the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by 15 years.
King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on January 20, 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Today is also a day of service:
What is
the MLK Day of Service?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said:
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"
Each year,
Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the
King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.
The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, 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.
I think this is a day just to be grateful for living in a free country & having CHOICE, FREEDOM & ACCEPTANCE! What are you grateful for today?
UPDATE: Forgot to mention- You still have thru Wednesday to enter my Hot Mamas Sleepwear GIVEAWAY!!!








Well compared to yours its lame, but I was grateful for the few hours of sleep that I did have last night. When the neuropathy pains strike, say goodbye to a deep sleep and hours of rest.
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Having battled a cold for the past few days, I'm grateful for a warm house and soft kleenex.
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Wonderful post Jody! I told the kids that we have a shortened school day today and we are going to learn some facts about King. I too am grateful for a free country and hope it stays that way.
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As a young Coast Guardsman, I walked into a baber shop in Gulfport, MS one day in 1986. I was stunned to see the sign reading, "No Blacks Allowed." Again, 1986. Not 1932, 1947, or 1951. 1986. To this day, I'm grateful I don't live in Mississippi anymore.
For the record, I turned around and walked out.
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I am grateful for all those who have the courage to speak up against injustice.
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Grateful for so much! Heading off for a quick camping trip, so at the moment, a Flexible Schedule is something I'm really grateful about. Oh, and for heroic folks who fight against injustice, given today's holiday.
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I'm grateful that my kids seem to have grown up "color blind" despite living in a pretty homogenous area.
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I am very grateful that I live in the US, problems and all.
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Every morning I wake up I'm grateful. Thanks for the reminder to focus on what is going right.
MLK was one of the greats like Gandi.
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I was just thinking about choice and freedom. I have lived such an abundant and fortunate life - certainly not free from trials and pain - but filled with choices.
I was blessed a few years ago to miss a flight in Atlanta. The next flight was the following day so I had a LONG layover and decided to visit the MLK museum.
So moving. So touching. So beautiful.
I live a blessed life indeed - thank you for reminding me to remember
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