To the editor:

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American icon whose legacy many of us choose to honor by volunteering in our communities. King was a man who taught the world that passivity does not make a better community — active, concerned citizens are the ones to enact change.

As a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 7 Horton, I know, as King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Times may be hard and the economy might be rough, but we can make our communities better places to live in King’s honor.

I invite you to volunteer at least an hour of your time either on Jan. 20, the National MLK Day of Service, or any time during the week. Do it in honor of yourself, our community and Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with

ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.