Anil Gangolli

Heroes

I’m observing Martin Luther King’s Birthday tomorrow in remembrance and celebration of King and of the many heroes, sung and unsung, of the Civil Rights movement. I am also observing it to symbolize that the movement is not dead.

For a while it seemed that companies were adding this to their standard holiday calendars, but a lot of companies these days (including, sadly, my present employer), seem to have dropped it from their standard holiday list. Subtract one point for not recognizing the very diversity on which they now rely; subtract two points for not recognizing who and what even made that possible.

There are heroes whose contributions affect us indirectly and heroes that affect us directly and tangibly. If I look at everything I have had in my lifetime, in opportunities and access, options --real freedom, and if I compare that to what my situation would have been only a few generations ago, and to what would almost certainly still be today without these people and their work, then it is practically inexcusable that I should not remember them and celebrate their work.

Thanks to my wife and my daughter for not letting me forget this.

So here’s to you Dr. King and the many many others who stood and acted with you for me and for everyone.

Technorati tags: Civil Rights, Martin Luther King, freedom, Liberty

Posted at 10:10PM Jan 15, 2006 in dogma  |  Permalink  |  Comments[2]