In 1983 Martin Luther King Jr. Day was declared an annual federal holiday by the United States congress.

It is celebrated on the third Monday in January.

We honor him on this day by not only remembering his work for equal opportunity, but to provide service where it is needed, service to the needy.

Many of his followers volunteer at hospitals, homeless shelters, schools and anywhere else that other people need help.

Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. was a man who worked peacefully to get people to work together, get along and to provide service for one another.

People all over the country also celebrate this holiday by having picnics, parades, marches and by reciting his " I have a dream " speech.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.

It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed : " We hold these truths to be self-evident : that all men are created equal."