In December 2012, more than 800 leaders from 43 countries came to Atlanta for the fourth Global Peace Convention, hosted by the Global Peace Foundation. This international gathering, including nine former heads of state, parliamentarians, faith leaders and service leaders, drew inspiration from the example of Atlanta’s native son, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his call to service.

At a town hall forum on December 2 at the King Center, Rev. Bernice King, Rev. C. T. Vivian, and other civil rights leaders reminded a delegation of international young leaders that Dr. King’s legacy continues as a National Day of Service, a federal holiday and the nation’s only official ‘Day of Service.’

This year, MLK Day of Service commemorations coincide with second inauguration of President Barack Obama, and the President is asking all citizens to join him in participating in a National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19, the day before he is sworn into office for his second term.

“This year’s inaugural will reflect our belief that working together, we can keep moving our country forward and fulfill the promise of the American dream for all families,’’ Mr. Obama said in a statement issued by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

The Global Peace Foundation joins Points of Light, the Corporation for National and Community Service, Service For Peace, and local organizations across the country in calling upon Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service on January 21, 2013.

Please join us for the MLK Day of Service, where we will empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems and move closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.

For more information on the MLK Day of Service and where you can volunteer, visit mlkchallenge.org and mlkkday.gov. For more information about Presidential Inaugural Committee’s National Day of Service, visit http://action.2013pic.org/service.