WASHINGTON — Today, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary joins the millions of Americans in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pioneer who would ultimately lay down his life for the cause of civil rights.
Born on Jan. 15, 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and activist who championed the cause of civil rights from 1955 until he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The Civil Rights Act of 1968, passed just days after his death, solidified his life’s work in fighting for social justice and against discrimination.
Since passing into law as a federal holiday in 1983, the observance of Dr. King’s birthday on the third Monday each January has served as a day of service, ‘a day on, not a day off.’ In a salute to Dr. King, the VFW encourages its members, the Auxiliary, supporters and all Americans to honor his legacy through volunteerism in their communities across the country.
On behalf of the more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, let us remember Dr. King and live lives that reflect his message of equality, justice, love and peace.