Jan. 18 is Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and has been declared a “day of service” for the nation (www.mlkday.gov). As indicated on the website, Dr. King devoted his life to causes of equality and social justice – “He taught that through nonviolence and service to one another, problems such as hunger and homelessness, prejudice and discrimination can be overcome.” These problems still exist in our Valley – how can we join together to resolve these challenges? Materials for schools and organizations to use in remembrance and service are available at the website. I hope all share Dr. King’s dream “that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” As Dr. King indicated, “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir” – the promise that all citizens of this nation would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Let’s appreciate and embrace the cultural diversity in our Valley and celebrate this day, working together to fulfill Dr. King’s dream here in our Valley.

Al Steuart

Wofford Heights