Today Marks The 30th Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Masachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito issued the following statements in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the 30th year the holiday has been recognized.

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. always believed our nation’s best years were in front of us. While his life’s work undoubtedly made us better, we recognize that there is much more for us to do as a society to fully embrace his vision of a beloved community,” said Gov. Baker. “Knowing he represented the very best within us, we can and must strive to live by his ideals to realize our shared sense of purpose, keep his cause with us and carry on his work.”

Illinois was the first state to observe a King holiday in 1973. Massachusetts and Connecticut followed in 1974. New Hampshire was the last state to enact a King holiday. Governor Jean Shaheen signed legislation in June 1999.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s mission to reconcile a divided nation lives on and depends on us all,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We have made progress in honoring his legacy, and understand that the encouragement his spirit provides will help us to fulfill the potential he knew we could achieve together.”