Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A day on, not a day off Published Jan. 17, 2018 By By SrA Vanessa Griffin 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - -- The leadership and commitment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., leader of the civil rights movement, reminds me of what is expected of every service member. This year, in honor of MLK’s birthday, the theme “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!” directly coincides with what Dr. King stated in his speech “The Future of Integration,” when he said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” In 1986, after nearly 20 years of continuing the civil acts that Dr. King diligently fought for, Congress passed a bill designating his birthday as a U.S. national holiday. It is a day of volunteer service, in remembrance of the resilience and commitment to do what is right. As a service member, MLK Day is a personal reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion. During MLK Day events at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense James Mattis stated, “Whether uniformed or civilian, members of the Defense Department know the co-equal commitment across the department and it is a mission that calls for all hands to strive together and fight together, looking out for one another.” Remembering the values and ideals of Dr. King coupled with Secretary Mattis’ statements strengthens my personal resolve to foster change and encourage a culture where everybody is embraced. I am proud to be part of the Liberty Wing, a united community which salutes those who voluntarily take the time to do what is right and continue to be persistent change agents among everyone who stands for unity and justice. As a junior Airman I realize service, at all levels, is the continuous act of helping or doing work for someone. I encourage all to live up to the potential of nurturing an environment where “everybody can be great because anybody can serve,” said Dr. King. This day is our day on, not our day off.