Martin Luther King Day, also known as MLK Day, is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to the remembrance of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January, which coincides with the date of Dr. King’s birthday, which is on January 15th. The holiday has come to be observed as a day of service, spurring Americans to spend the day giving back to the community in some way by volunteering their time and effort to make this world a better place.
If you are one of the thousands of Americans that truly honor the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King by getting out within the community to volunteer your services, then you should pat yourself on the back. And when you return home at the end of the day, if you have a home kegerator, you should pour yourself a fresh, draft beer and take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s vision, as well as the part you have played on this day in bringing that vision closer to reality. Sure, there’s no correlation between the holiday of Martin Luther King Day and kegerators or beer, but the point is this – if you are one of the upstanding citizens of this country that believes in the importance of getting out there and giving back to your community, then you deserve that kegerator, and you certainly deserve that beer at the end of the day.
Better yet, consider bringing out a whole group of people to volunteer with you on this national day of service. Volunteering together as a group is fun, and it brings people closer together. It also motivates people to do more than they would do alone. Then, when your volunteer activity is completed, invite everyone back to your house to gather round your trusty kegerator and share a few drinks, and a few stories of the day. Sure, this isn’t quite the same type of festive holiday as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where you expect to gather with family and friends and give thanks for the blessings of the day. Nevertheless, in the same tradition as holidays such as Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Day is a day to give thanks for the ways that this world has changed in the time since Dr. King’s famous speech. If that happens to get done while gathering around an in home kegerator, so be it. Celebration is celebration.
Of course, you don’t need a kegerator to celebrate the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King. But it is nice to have one (or even a mini kegerator) to come home to at the end of a hard day’s work. On this day, many schools and businesses are closed. This means it is also a good opportunity for family and friends to come together. And anytime that you get an opportunity to get together like that, rather than having to head to the office, it is worth inviting a few friends over to share a few beers straight from your kegerator. It’s better and cheaper than heading to the local bar or tavern, and it gives you a chance to unwind and socialize right in the comfort of your own home.
Remember however, that MLK Day always falls on a Monday. That means that there is still a long week of work ahead for most people. So, while you may want to tap the kegerator so you can have a beer or two, leave it at that, or you’ll be feeling the effects as you head off to work the next morning, knowing that it’s only Tuesday and you have to make it through a long week.
