Make this MLK Day One to Remember

The dream continues.

It's been over 40 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. professed his vision of a better America, and today the dream lives on. The world celebrates his achievements (and those of his contemporaries) today for MLK Day.

With the Civil Rights movement in full swing, he called for a peace and unity that would overcome "these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity," he said, "to make America a better nation."

With Barack Obama as our first black president, MLK Day carries special significance. Though there may be quite a bit of work to do, one can't help but wonder how proud Dr. King himself would be.

The holiday as we know it was first observed in 1986, after being signed into law by a somewhat reluctant Ronald Reagan. However, it wasn't until 2000 that all 50 states agreed to celebrate it.

For a lot of people, MLK day is just another holiday, another excuse to not go to work. But what makes it especially unique is its history of insistence on community service. This year, millions of volunteers will spend their days off from work by volunteering in their local communities, and actually taking responsibility for their country.

Dr. King said that "everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." So make this MLK day one to remember by getting out and making a difference.