Reflecting on MLK Jr Day

I have been thinking about Martin Luther King Jr Day the past few days and the impact this man has made on even my life. As a military-brat I grew up in a very diverse environment. There was not a 'wrong side of the tracks' on the various bases where we lived. My school friends were black, hispanic, pacific and white, with no real minority amongst us. We brats were adaptable. Different cultures, different values, different points of view. BUT same schools, same neighborhoods, same circles. Military life growing up was one big melting pot. And I wouldn't change it for the world!

Last night, sitting around the dinner table (my favorite place to chit-chat) I talked to my kids about diversity. Just because someone looks different, talks different, is different doesn't make them less. They immediately got it. Chiming in with their own definitions of diversity. I was proud of them. The concept wasn't new to them but still important to reinforce.

But there is more to talk. There is action. And according to http://mlkday.gov/:

On January 17, 2011 we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the holiday recognizing one of America's greatest heroes-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is a federal holiday, a day off of school, an easy day to sit around the house and not think much more about what the day is about. Instead, why not talk to your kids; remind them the importance of diversity; the importance of respecting others; find a service-project you can do together. Make it a "A day on, not a day off".




Which leads me to a question posed by the US Navy: How Will You Observe the 25th National Day of Service?

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

PS - I'm always looking for a good book and just finished 'The Help'. It is a wonderful, poignant reminder that we are /all/ people. People with struggles. People with needs. If you want a good read and look at life around MLK Jr's era pick it up at your library or local book store. It's a great one!