It was first proposed four days after King's 1968 assassination outside a Memphis motel. It took 15 years until it became a federal holiday.

As the nation recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a traditional celebration will take place locally. The 2025 MLK Day Beloved Community Commemorative Service kicks off at 9 a.m. on Monday, and you can watch it live from home.

Martin Luther King, Jr. with his arms folded in front of him and his gaze cast out over the frozen Tidal Basin. But there stood Glenda McDonald, bundled up in her parka doing as she has done over the years,