Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 15, 2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, sometimes referred to as MLK Day, is an American Federal holiday, marking his birthday. Although Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is on January 15th, we commemorate it each year on the third Monday of January, due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Why We Commemorate M.L.K. Day
Dr. King was the most visible and prominent spokesperson for nonviolent activism during the Civil Rights Movement, from 1954 until his death in 1968. In 1964, Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. Posthumously, Dr. King was further awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Shortly after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, the campaign for recognizing Dr. King with a national Holiday began. The holiday was signed into law in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan. By 2000, it was officially observed in all 50 states across the US.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is among many flag flying holidays. The United States flag can and should be flown every day the weather permits, from sunrise until sunset. There are several special holidays and events on which the flag should be displayed in celebration or remembrance. Check here for your free guide to this and other flag flying holidays.
Dr. King's Call for a Day of Service
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in freedom and justice for all. He encouraged activism and change through nonviolence and uplifting others. Americans are encouraged to observe M.L.K. Day as a day of service — a "day on, not a day off" — and to honor his life and work by giving to communities through actions that contribute to solutions for social problems.
May We Share Your Story?
Send us the details of your M.L.K. Day Observations, along with photos of your American flags, flagpoles, and accessories! We would be honored to feature your stories and photography in our blog or on Facebook. Remember, photos of damaged flags and accessories are valuable, too.
Do you have suggestions for information you'd like to see here? If so, please send them our way!
Please send all of your suggestions or questions to [email protected]. We want to hear from you!
Have a great day, from your friends at LIBERTY FLAGS, The American Wave®.
