In a release issued by St. John the Baptist Parish Government, a statement read: “Although Dr. King’s birthday is on January 15th, the celebration of his life and contributions to the Civil Rights movement are observed on the third Monday in January.”

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy of courage, dignity and humanity, many will again gather in remembrance throughout the day Monday in locations across the country.

With the day of celebration recognized on Monday each year, resulting in a three-day weekend for some, there is growing fear in the commercialism of this day.

Thankfully, there are many opportunities for members of the River Parishes to gather together, embrace each other’s differences and strengths and look upon us all as a society of character and not color.

There are two major events planned in St. John Monday, starting with a march in LaPlace at 9 a.m., proceeding up Belle Pointe Boulevard, down Airline Hwy to 1801 W. Airline Highway. A rally will immediately follow the march at the Percy Herbert Building.  

The West St. John Civic Association is holding a Martin Luther King Jr. event at noon, starting with a march from the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library in Edgard and proceeding to the old firehouse behind the courthouse, where a program will begin at approximately 1 p.m. Anthony Saul, Ochsner Chief Financial Officer, and U.S. Rep. Randall Gaines are special guests.

Call 985-497-8539 for more information. The theme is “Positive Change is the Result of Positive Action.”

The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Organization of St. Charles Parish is also holding a pilgrimage march at 10 a.m., starting at the Hale Boggs Bridge in Luling and ending at the Eual J. Landry Gym in Hahnville.

A rally is planned following the march.

The events are just three of many small and large celebrations planned across the River Parishes Monday in honor of King.

Whether you can make one of the events or not, please spend some time in thought about King’s work in the Civil Rights Movement, what can still be done to fulfill his great dream and how we can teach younger generations about that path we have taken to get where we are today.

Without reflection, we risk turning Martin Luther King Jr. Day into just another three-day weekend.