Today is... 

Martin Luther King Day

Today is Martin Luther King Day! On this day we celebrate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983—fifteen years after the assassination of the civil rights leader. A congressman from Michigan introduced the legislation just a few months after Dr. King’s death in 1968, but it took years of petitions, politics, and personal appeals from Coretta Scott King to get it passed.

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated every year on the third Monday in January. There are only two other federal holidays that honor individuals—Washington’s Birthday (also known as Presidents Day) and Columbus Day.

Today, take a moment to honor Dr. King’s work and reflect on his dream for America. Find out how you can participate in the national day of service and volunteer on Martin Luther King Day.

Today is also New England Clam Chowder Day & National Hugging Day & Inauguration Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for January 21 1789 - W.H. Brown's "Power of Sympathy" was published. It was the first American novel to be published. 1853 - Dr. Russell L. Hawes patented the envelope folding machine. 1954 - The Nautilus was launched in Groton, CT. It was the first atomic-powered submarine. 1965 - The Byrds recorded "Mr. Tambourine Man." 1976 - The French Concorde SST aircraft began regular commercial service for Air France and British Airways. 1986 - Former major-league player, Randy Bass, became the highest-paid baseball player in Japanese history. Bass signed a three-year contract for $3.25 million. He played for the Hanshin Tigers. 1990 - MTV's "Unplugged" made its debut with Squeeze as the first performers. ________________________________________________________ "The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving in." --Oliver Wendell Holmes