People don’t recognize Martin Luther King Jr’s holiday as a day to honor his legacy, and reflect upon his memory. The nation should try harder to celebrate his memory.

Although some are given the day off to celebrate his life, a good percent of people take that time and treat it like just another day.

It seems that in today’s society, people tend to forget the reason why this day became a national federal holiday.

Nursing student, Janis Morales stated, “I don’t really celebrate. I usually just take it as a day off because it’s a day off from school and get some rest.”

According to history professor, Julie Davis, “I think most people who have this Monday off will spend little time reflecting on the legacy of Dr. King.

She continued, “For many Americans who spend their daily lives just trying to stay afloat, the holiday will be a day to rest, get caught-up or spend precious time with loved ones.”

When Coretta Scott King fought for her husband to have some type of day or month in celebration of his life, it’s hard to believe that this is the lack of celebration she had in mind.

On the other hand, Davis disagrees. She believes that “[…]Coretta Scott King was pleased when a federal day of recognition to Dr. King was established and included on the national calendar.”

She continued on to say, “I think what Coretta Scott King really envisioned was a continuing recognition of Dr. King’s social-justice activism, writings, and legacy;

“That with the creation of the King Center and the federal holiday, that King’s legacy in toto would become a central and continuing focus in educational institutions throughout the country.”

Cerritos College student Jordan Wong, psychology major said, “I like to do something. My family and I will probably barbecue.”

He admitted that most people probably use it as an excuse to get out of work and school, but that it would be nice if people did recognize it as a holiday.

King was given a holiday because of the great strides he took to changing this country. He was a great man, and he had one of the biggest visions anyone has ever seen.

As a nation, in some way or another, everyone should incorporate celebrating the legacy he left behind on his day.