Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently encouraged his colleagues to reflect and continue to serve the community in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Celebrated every year on the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King Day encourages people to reflect on King’s ideas and message of nonviolence and pursuit of justice.
"This is a moment for all of us to reflect on Dr. King’s vision and consider how his message of nonviolence and his pursuit of justice can remain a part of our Department’s daily work to keep our communities safe and secure," Myorkas said in a Jan. 14 release.
Mayorkas said in the release that King Day is also a National Day of Service.
"For our extraordinary DHS workforce – for all of you – service is a part of who we are," Myorkas said. "We demonstrate it by doing our jobs and always answering the call."
"In the spirit of this day, I will join our partners at On Ramps to Careers and Urban Alliance to engage with youth from across the country, including those here in Washington, D.C," Myorkas said. "Some of these remarkable young people are serving, or have served, as interns at DHS. Through their willingness to step up and strengthen our communities and our country, they embody the spirit of Dr. King."
Americorps reports that encouraging volunteer work for MLK Day is common, with many leaders embracing the idea that engaging in the community honors King’s legacy.
"As we mark MLK Day, I hope you will take the time to find a volunteer opportunity or service project in your area," Myorkas said. "Many of you, of course, will be marking the day by serving in your DHS role; we in DHS safeguard our homeland every single day. As Dr. King stated, 'The time is always right to do what is right.' Thank you for everything you do to honor Dr. King and strengthen our nation."
