Jan 21, 2008 2:40 pm US/Eastern
Bloomberg, Volunteers Spend Day In Name Of Service
MLK Day Inspires A Nation To Remember Civil Rights, World's Priorities
By Elizabeth Hur, CBS 2 HD
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Politicians and volunteers across the state are gathering in the name of MLK, dedicating their time on this national holiday to do even a little in honor of the great American hero.
CBS
On this federal holiday in honor of Doctor Martin Luther King Junior, thousands are spending their time helping others. This 'day of service' is just one way Americans are trying to carry on the message of the late civil rights leader.
Mayor Bloomberg hosted a breakfast reception in honor of Dr. King, delivering a message of peace, and asking all New Yorkers and Americans alike to remember always MLK's dedication and persistence for equality. His words, Bloomberg said, must live on forever.
"What he said was that no matter what happened to him, the important thing was to keep moving forward together," said the mayor.
He wasn't the only New York political figure weighing in on the day's significance. Senator Schumer had some words of his own.
"Dr. King's words indeed accomplished nothing less than to elevate the human race, he held up a mirror to America and made America a better place."
What better example of getting involved in the spirit of the day than a group of New York City students using their day off to make a difference in the name of public service.
"I think it's really important to remember that above all else, Martin Luther King wanted to be remembered as a man of service. So we really want kids to come out and celebrate his legacy," said Carline Bennett of Children for Children.
Thousands of children are celebrating MLK's legacy by participating in a dozens of service projects. Amongst them are Avis Howell and Erick Dominguez, both eager volunteers who signed up to do the right thing.
"I think today is about doing good, doing right, helping other people and remembering a man who dedicated his life to his work, his work being for the benefit of humanity," said Howell.
CBS 2 spoke to many volunteers giving their time, in the cold on a national holiday, they say, to give thanks to a man who gave much more than his time for everyone.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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