MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88G01332R000800990021-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 21
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88G01332R000800990021-3
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Federal Holiday Commission
Chalrpersw
Coretta Scott King
Vice Chairpenoo
The Honorable James R. Thompson
Commisdooers
George W. Armstrong
Rep. Jim A. Courser
Hon. Lawrence F. Davenport
Sen. Robert Dole
Rosslee Gran Douglas
Christine King Farris
Murray Finley
Mary Harwood Futrell
Rep. William H. Gray, M
Katie Hall
Jesse Hill, Jr.
Sen. Ernest F. Hdlings
Edward G. Jefferson
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy
Yolanda King
Jewel S. Lafootaat
Rep. Mickey Leland
Edward Hirsch Levi
Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
Sen. Charles M. Mathias, Jr.
Gregory T. Moore
Mario G. Obtedo
Hon. Clarence M. Pendleton. Jr.
Claim Randall
Rep. Ralph Regula
James P. Shannon
Peter V. Ueberroth
Stevie Wonder
Mayor Andrew Young
Executive Director
Lloyd Davis
449 Auburn Avenue N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 524.195E
Director, Waddoglon Office
James C. Karantoois
Suite 5 182
451 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20410
[phone]
u_-
0016
MEMO TO FEDERAL PGFNCY AND EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
COMMITTEE AND OTHERS
Fran: Martin Luther K
eral Holiday Commission
0. H. Laster
Subj: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE
The Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the Department of
Health and Human Services, Stephanie Lee-Miller, has already
oommunicated with some of your agencies relative to the
observance of the first legal Federal Holiday honoring Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.. This memorandum suggests ideas
regarding the assistance that the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Federal Holiday Commission can provide. The Commission was
established by the Ninety-eighth Congress of the United States,
and approved by President Reagan last August.
Two main purposes of the Commission relative to the observance
are:
1) To Encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities.
2) Tb Provide advice and assistance to Federal, State, and
local governments...
This is where I, as agency coordinator, an involved. Some
agencies have been programatically observing the life and work
of Dr. King, Jr. for years. Agencies in this category, and for
those that are relatively new in planning and implementing
programs, may still want to be aware of some of the Commission
resources. The Commission can provide you with information and
material that you might want to incorporate into your program.
For example; Living the Dream--A Call for a Celebration of
Freedom and Justice,. suggests ideas that your agency or private
organization may want to consider.
Contributions may be made to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Corporation,
a Nonprofit Charitable Organization formed to carry out the work of the Commission.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
The large pledge board and shall pledge cards may be used
ideally for an appropriate photo ceremony (see enclosed U.S.A.
Today photo) with your director taking the lead signing the
pledge board, and the employees signing the cards.
Under separate cover I'm posting the materials to the office of
your agency responsible for the Observance.
If there are any questions please contact me at 755-1005.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
-]rIf/Z 1__.." '
Corelta.Scotl King
Chairperson
People of all races, religions, classes,
politics and stations in life are
coming together in a spirit of
unity to make Monday, January 20,
1986, a day of national commitment
and renewed American Patriotism.
They are setting in motion a great
celebration of freedom and justice in
.honor of America's hero and patriot,
Martin Luther King, Jr.
This special recognition accorded
Martin by the American people provides
a unique opportunity for all Americans
to reaffirm their faith in the values
which distinguish our republic in the
world.
Martin knew that America's
conscience would be a powerful force
for reform when aroused. So each
year. Martin's National Birthday
Celebration will rekindle in the hearts
of all of our people, a new pride in
America, a determination to make it
an even greater nation.
Ou Januaij, 20, 1986, 'Alartin's
Day'; let us participate in activities that
seek to achieve equality and justice,
freedom and peace for our nation and
the world Join us and be a part of
history by Living thS,Dream.
(,1()Il,grCss helic\cd it %\a', Apprq)n~Itc tor tile
Federal, State and 1(wal governments, ,mcl witli
private Organiz,,itions ('()tigress, therefore,
est~ihlishecl the M,.irtin LUther King, Jr. Federal
ceremonies and activities and to provide advice
sectors with respect to planning and
p,midpating ()n that historical clay Of.janUarv
20, 1986.
Commission MembershiP
Ilic COmmission is composed Of 31
respect all segments Of OUr society hold for Dr.
King. Corett,,t Scott King serves, ~Ls file
Chairperson Of the cOmmission and GOvernor
.1"Inles R. 111(m1p.sOn Of lllill()js is the Vice
Ch',dipers(m, Nhrtin Luther King, sister,
Christine King Farris. ',111d his ChUghter, )'Olanch
King, also serve as COmmission menihers.
Other cOmmissioners are:
n Wj ffai df 6raf- W54 1i M
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
Living The Dream
day to celebrate the life and
dream of Martin Luther King, Jr.
AA day to reaffirm the American
ideals of freedom, justice and
opportunity for all.
A day for lone not hate, for
understanding not anger, for peace
not war.
A day for the family: to share
together, to reach out to relatives and
friends, and to mend broken
relationships.
A day when the community rids
itself of the barriers which dic'ide'i1 and
comes together as one.
A day when people of all races,
religions, classes and stations in life put
aside their differences and join in a
spirit of togetherness.
A day for our nation to pay
tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. who
awakened in us the best qualities of the
American Spirit.
A day for nations of the world to
cease all violent actions, seek
nonviolent solutions, and demonstrate
that peace is not just a dream, but a
real possibilitl; if only for one dap.
If only for one day; each of us
senses as a 'drum major for justice
and peace'; then we will bring to life
the inspiring vision of freedom which
Martin Luther King, Jr. "dreamed".
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/09: CIA-RDP88GO1332R000800990021-3
Our Nation's
New Holiday
January 20, 1986 will mark the first observance
of our national holiday honoring Martin Luther
King, Jr.
Legislation sets aside the third Monday of
January as the official Federal holiday.
According to the Act, "the holiday should serve
as a time for Americans to reflect on the
principles of racial equality and nonviolent
social change espoused by Martin Luther King,
Jr ?"
Across the nation and throughout the world
major celebrations are being planned involving
all segments of our society, including religious,
labor, educational, business, government,
youth, civic and civil rights organizations.
This can be a day in which we put aside all
that separates us to focus on all that binds us
as a community, not only in this country but
throughout the world; for as Dr. King taught,
"We cannot walk alone."
This can be a day in which we commit
ourselves to continue "living the Dream" of
peace, justice and freedom.
Martin Luther King Jr Federal Holiday Commission,
Atlanta office Washington office.
The King Center 451 Seventh Street, SW.
449 Auburn Avenue, NE Washington, D.C 20410
Atlanta Georgia 30312 (202) 7551005
[phone]
A Day of Celebration
Each year, more and more people have pined
in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.
The types of activities and events planned in
his honor also continue to grow. Here are
some observances and celebrations which have
been successful. Please plan to participate in
one or more of the activities or plan your own
appropriate way of celebrating the holiday.
Some of the special events which have been
scheduled on a national basis in which all
citizens can participate are:
The television special in honor of Dr. King
which will be broadcast nationally on the
evening of the holiday
The week long festivities sponsored by the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent
Social Change (The King Center) in Atlanta,
Georgia, which include a National Ecumenical
Service and a National March and Parade of
Celebration
The special ceremonies in the United States
Capitol Rotunda during which a bust of Martin
Luther King, Jr. will be unveiled
Regional college and university institutes and
seminars centered around the principles of
nonviolence as a means to progressive social
change
Special exhibits and programs at local libraries
throughout the nation.
On a state and local level, the following
activities have been scheduled:
? Special tributes at state legislatures
Governors' and Mayors' sponsorship of
public receptions
issuance of state and city proclamations
Dedication of streets, parks, statues and
portraits of Dr. King
The following additional activities are also
appropriate ways to celebrate this day in Martin
Luther King, Jr.'s honor:
Support state and local government
sponsorship of at least one major event
which will involve all citizens in an
appropriate tribute to Dr. King.
Encourage special tributes, proclamations, or
commemorative legislation by state, city and
county governments.
Establish a commission or committee
representing all citizens and interest groups
to plan events for the holiday.
? Attend public receptions sponsored by
governors and mayors.
Support dedications of thoroughfares, streets,
parks and public buildings.
Pay special recognition to those persons or
groups who have contributed in Dr. King's
spirit and tradition to improve civil and
human rights, here and around the world.
Plan a community march or parade and plan
to send representatives of your state or
organization to participate in the National
March and Parade in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Sponsor and participate in programs which
encourage interracial and intercultural
goodwill and unity.
? Participate in interfaith breakfasts, luncheons
or dinners.
Attend presentations of appropriate exhibits
and musical and dramatic productions by
museums, symphony orchestras, and
theaters.
Hold oratory and essay presentations
focusing on the life and legacy of Dr. King.
? Plan a special activity at the worksite or
allow time off for employees to participate
in local holiday events.
? Publicize the holiday and the life and work
of Dr. King in your organization or business
newsletter.
Contribute financially to community and
educational programs working to fulfill Dr.
King's dream.
? Take some family action to assist those in
our community who are less fortunate.
? Turn on your car or truck lights at noon on
the day of the holiday.
? Fly our nation's Flag.
Help to keep Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream
alive.