MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY JANUARY 19, 2004

This coming Monday, January 19, 2004, the nation celebrates the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Although we at Hollister-Stier are not closed on this date, it should not in any way lessen the importance of Dr. King’s life and what he meant to our country. Among the list of prominent individuals who helped transform the character of our country, Dr. King stands out as a true leader. Monday is a day for everyone to quietly reflect the values of courage, justice, dignity, and humility that defined Dr. King’s leadership. At the time of his death, we lived in a society struggling to grasp these values and others. It was a time of generational transformation during which many people in our nation failed to live by and express its greatest principles of equality and tolerance.

This is not a day for political speeches or self-aggrandizement, but rather a day to acknowledge how far we have come as a nation—and how far we must still travel. Now thirty-six years after his death, it is important to remember that our country is a member of a global society and that the fundamental values of equality and tolerance are as important today as they were in 1968.

Our nation has passed many gauntlets in recent years, and our values and beliefs have been challenged by others who would gloat in the collapse of these principles. However, as we are put to the test, our nation has done just the opposite of what some had hoped. Instead of weakening, we have become stronger. Instead of becoming more divided, we have found a new spirit of solidarity—among people of all races and religions who savor a life of freedom and the ability to contribute to community.

This holiday commemorates the courage of a single man who spoke for an entire world. It is a day to remind all of us that everyday we have an opportunity demonstrate our strength of spirit and the beliefs that non-violence and forgiveness do not separate people, but instead brings them together. Are the principles of non-violence and forgiveness too altruistic for our rapidly moving society? As Dr. King once said, “We all must decide whether we will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness.” He went on to note that life’s most persistent question is, “What are you doing for others?” Dr. King epitomized the concept of servant leadership; a lifestyle that we all should consider.

As we recognize this important day, I ask each of you to consider ways to serve your community, your family, and each other; because in the end, the true meaning of January 19th rests in how each of us follows Dr. King’s often talked about “Dream.”

Tony Bonanzino

CEO HollisterStier Laboratories

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