KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Monday, Jan. 19, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary join the nation in honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership, courage, and commitment to peaceful progress helped shape a stronger and more inclusive America.
Born on Jan. 15, 1929, King was a minister and civic leader who called on Americans to rise above division and work together to build a more just and peaceful society. His efforts to expand opportunity and strengthen the nation’s shared values left a lasting mark on American history. Since becoming a federal holiday in 1983, the observance of King’s birthday has also become a national day of service — a reminder that progress is achieved not only through words, but through action.
On behalf of the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we honor the Rev. King by continuing to work for positive change in our communities — through volunteerism, civic engagement, and a shared dedication to making our nation stronger for generations to come.