5 Ways to Celebrate The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

By Amy Suski

1  Help Others: More than just a day off from school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity for families to honor the legacy of MLK by taking on a project during National Day of Service.  Fun projects for kids include cleaning up local parks, bagging meals for shelters, and making cards for seniors.  Find local service projects at www.nationalservice.gov, volunteermatch.org, Allforgood.org, Volunteerfairfax.org, www.montgomeryserves.org, www.volunteerhoward.org.

2  Visit the Memorial: Even if you're not up early enough for Monday morning's wreath-laying ceremony at 8:00-9:00 a.m., it is still a great weekend to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the downtown mall.  National Park Service rangers will be on hand throughout the weekend to talk about MLK's legacy. www.nps.gov

3  Join a Parade: The Anacostia Peace Walk and Parade features the Ballou Marching Band and representatives from the community.  The Peace Walk starts Monday at 11:30 a.m. and the Parade starts at noon.  For route information see www.mlkholidaydc.org.  The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King March and Celebration in Leesburg gathers Monday at the Leesburg Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. and begins at 10:30 a.m.  For more info see www.facebook.com/MLKMarchLeesburg

4  Attend a Celebration: The Smithsonian Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Program will be held Friday, January 16, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the American Indian Museum.  This year the theme of the celebration will be "The Beloved Community."  Visit www.anacostia.si.edu for more information.  Arlington's Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther  King Jr. will be held January 18 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School.  The program includes speakers and performances by the Saint Augustine Choir and The Dance Institute of Washington.  www.arlington.us. Reston's 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration spans the entire weekend with events geared towards all ages including service projects, concerts, speeches, a student art display, commemorative march, and children's activities at locations throughout Reston.  Some of the children's activities require registration. For more information click here.  Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park Annual King Day Celebration will be held on Monday at the Hylton Memorial Chapel, 14640 Potomac Mills Road, in Woodbridge.  The event includes a student oratorical contest, writing contest, and performances by the Martin Luther King Community Choir. www.pwcacdst.org

5  See a Play: Theatre IV's "I Have a Dream" depicts the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The theatrical production is appropriate for both kids and adults.  The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.  Admission $10-$15.  www.mcleancenter.org

Photo courtesy of www.nationalservice.gov