Monday is the day set aside each year to honor and remember the inspiration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and it is good to recall his legacy in times as troubled as these.

He preached and taught the brotherhood of man, seeking only to generate peace and understanding while taking examples as Gandhi and Christ.

Many students now are familiar with his words, asking not to be judged by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. However, few of these children still truly realize the impact those words have had and how revolutionary those words remain.

In the face of hatred, he taught love. In the face of prejudice, he taught understanding. In the face of war, he taught peace. Was this act of a revolutionary? Yes, it certainly was. Was it the courageous thing to do, flying in the face of popular opinion? Of course, it was. Was it the right thing to do? Without question.

Dr. King put a face on those people still chained after more than a century and ennobled his cause at the same time. He was American to the core, embodying the finest of our national spirit.

We hope that more children come to understand and appreciate his struggle.

L’Observateur