Letter to the Editor: Assemblywoman Linda Stender Comments on MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, A Celebration of Service

Martin Luther King Day has long been a holiday to celebrate the life of one of the most influential leaders of our time. While many of us enjoyed the long weekend, we must always look back at the importance of this holiday.  This year I attended events in Plainfield, Clark, Linden, Scotch Plains and Fanwood to reflect on the very ideals and values Dr. King brought to this country half a century ago.  

The Scotch Plains Fanwood YMCA hosted their annual day of service for the community in his honor.  I felt privileged to participate with hundreds of residents to make a difference on this very special occasion.  Even as many children were at school for a half day, it was inspiring to see so many of them spend the rest of their afternoon volunteering their efforts with multiple community organizations.

As Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't need a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." 

I’d like to thank all those who worked so hard this year to keep Dr. King’s message alive. Even on a cold January day, the impact made was truly outstanding.

Assemblywoman Linda Stender