January 17, 2011: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN
I, Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 17, 2011

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and opportunity for all, and challenged all Americans to participate in the never-ending work of building a more perfect union; and

WHEREAS, Dr. King's teachings can continue to guide and inspire us in addressing challenges in our communities; and

WHEREAS, The King Holiday and Service Act, enacted in 1994, designated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of volunteer service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Services with leading this effort; and

WHEREAS, Since 1994 millions of Americans have been inspired by the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to serve their neighbors and communities on the King Holiday; and

WHEREAS, Serving on the King Holiday is an appropriate way to honor Dr. King, meet local and national needs, bring our citizens together, and strengthen our communities and nation; and

WHEREAS, The King Holiday is the only federal holiday commemorated as a day of service, and offers an opportunity for Americans to give back to their communities on the holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, The King Holiday service projects are being organized by a wide range of nonprofits, private businesses, and other organizations across the state; and

WHEREAS, Citizens of Michigan have an opportunity to participate in events throughout our state on the King Holiday, January 17, 2011, as well as create and implement community service projects where they identify the need;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 17, 2011 as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in Michigan, and call upon the people of Michigan to pay tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through participation in community service projects on the King Holiday and throughout the year.

RICK SNYDER
GOVERNOR