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Image:Martin-Luther-King-1964-leaning-on-a-lectern.jpg
The '''Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.''', often called '''Martin Luther King Day''', is a United_States Holiday honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin_Luther_King,_Jr., observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday, January_15.
The holiday was the result of a large-scale campaign headed by a number of activists. One of the most notable of these was Musician Stevie_Wonder, who released the single "Happy Birthday" to popularize the campaign in 1980 and hosted the Rally for Peace Press Conference in 1981.
Opposition to the Bill was led by Sen. Jesse_Helms who questioned whether King was important enough to recieve such an honor. He was also critical of King's opposition to the Vietnam_War and alleged Communist connections.
At the White_House Rose Garden on November_2, 1983, U.S. President Ronald_Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor King. It was observed for the first time on January_20, 1986.
On January_18, 1993, for the first time, Martin Luther King Day was officially observed in all 50 U.S. states. The day is marked by Demonstrations for Peace, Social_justice and racial and Class_equality, as well as a national day of volunteer Community_service.
Although the day is a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually not observed by small private companies. Many large corporations close their operations, but small shops, restaurants, and Grocery_stores tend to remain open. Additionally, some schools and places of higher education are closed for classes; others remain open but may hold seminars or celebrations of Dr. King's message.
==See also==
*Lee-Jackson-King_day
*1994_Northridge_earthquake, which occurred on MLK Day, January_17, 1994
== External links ==
*The King Center
*MLKDay.Org
*United States Code: Federal Holidays
*The King Holiday and its Meaning- A critical look at MLK Day by Sam Francis
*Jesse Helm's speech in opposition to the Holiday
Category:Holidays_of_the_United_States
Category:Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.
De:Martin_Luther_King_Day
Nl:Martin_Luther_Kingdag