MLK Day Message

Hi, I’m Governor Patrick.
Every third Monday in January, we come together as a nation to remember and celebrate a hero.
The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. had reserves of courage, conviction and faith
that inspired a generation of Americans to face down racial and economic injustice and
oppression. Confronted by hatred and violence, he stood his moral ground and led us forward
as a nation.
Dr. King’s dream for equality, opportunity and fair play for all was essentially about
the American Dream -- about creating what he called, “the Beloved Community.” He
understood the transformative power of service. As he put it: “Life’s most persistent
and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”
We all need to think hard about this question today. What are we doing for our community?
As long as there are people without food, men and women without jobs, children without
a chance, and families without hope, there is more to do to make Dr. King’s dream a
reality, more to do to build our own beloved community.
So this Monday, let’s make it a day on, rather than a day off. Volunteer at a local
shelter or food kitchen. Check in on an elderly neighbor or cook a meal for someone who needs
one. Organize a clothing drive or come together with neighbors to clean-up your local playground
or park. Send cards and packages to our troops overseas or be an advocate for a cause that
helps someone in need.
Each of us has what it takes to serve. As Dr. Martin Luther King put it, “You don’t
have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your
verb agree to serve… You only need a heart full of grace, a soul motivated by love. Everybody
can be great, because everybody can serve.”
Let’s make this a day and a Commonwealth that Dr. King would be proud of. Let’s make
his dream our own.
Thank you and Happy Martin Luther King Day.