“Reflections on Martin Luther King Day,” by Walter Russell

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MLKJ Day is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and was first observed three years later on Jan 20, 1986. Some states resisted observing the holiday, giving it alternative names. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Walt Russell was taken to the Spokane WA UU Church in his youth, then attended Boise Idaho UU Fellowship from ages 26-20, then attended UUCR briefly, returning again at age 52, then again at age 69. He earned bachelors degrees in Physics and Math from the University of Idaho. Walt was raised by a left-leaning father who made him watch Cronkite nightly, so he viewed the Vietnam War, Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was made to watch the March on Washington instead of playing with his toys. His father’s reason: “When you Mom and I are gone, this Day will still be remembered, so pay attention.”

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