Today we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who never held public office but profoundly changed America and American attitudes toward race, justice, equality and fairness.

He pointed out the flaws in our society and government with a hope that one day our country would live up to the promises of our imperfect founders.

One of my favorite King quotes sums up his struggle and his vision: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” We know what is right and just, we really just need to accomplish and implement that vision, though many would prefer to hold power than be the nation we aspire to be. "We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future."

Martin Luther King, Jr. at Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena.
We are all human, our country can never be perfect, and sometimes seems very far from it, but we can aspire and work toward that "... more perfect Union" where "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Today we can reflect on the accomplishments and dreams of a man who hoped and dreamed that our country would live up to its stated aspirations for all our residents. We can also share and spread and make real the dream that "... children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Today is a day to celebrate one of the extraordinary individuals in American history. It is also a day to reflect on the promises yet to be fulfilled for all Americans.