Next week, we will pause to reflect on the life of a man whose words inspired a nation and whose dream for a new way of life sparked a movement for civil rights that brought about significant social change.  On Monday, we will remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In honor of Dr. King, thousands of volunteers across this country will participate in the national King Day of Service, where we will celebrate his legacy by turning community concerns into community action. 

Dr. King once said, "We must use time creatively and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do what is right."  And the time is ripe now.  Never before has it been more important to come together in shared purpose to tackle the common challenges we face. 

On Monday, my family and I are volunteering to help assemble 75,000 care packages for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The first gentleman and I encourage you to join us and Americans all across this country by reaching out on the King Day of Service to spend a "day on" in service to others on your "day off" from work. 

For information about volunteer opportunities in your community - from delivering meals to building homes to mentoring a child - just pick up the phone and call 2-1-1.  To learn more about the King Day of Service, visit www.mlkday.gov.

I want to again thank you for your continued, dedicated service to our citizens and to the great state of Michigan.  We couldn't do what we do without you and your commitment to serving the people.   

Sincerely yours,
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor