As we celebrated the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic "I Have A Dream" speech yesterday and look ahead to the official dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C. this fall, Dr. King's contributions to the world have provided us a touchstone to consider how we can unlock the power of people to make change and create impact across communities.

As you visit the new memorial and consider the legacy of Dr. King, we also invite you to visit Points of Light Institute's Extra Mile Pathway, just steps away, which is dedicated to the spirit of service and citizen-centered change.

Honoring heroes of our nation's service movement, the Extra Mile comprises a series of bronze medallions forming a one-mile walking path just blocks from the White House. Each medallion depicts a unique American leader, from founders of major service organizations to leaders of the civil rights, environmental and suffrage movements, including Dr. King, who shaped our nation.

As we look ahead to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 16, 2012, please plan to join Points of Light Institute as we lead a national dialogue about the value and impact of service during America's Sunday Supper on Jan. 15. We will ask ourselves what Dr. King's call and dream means for us today.

Then, on MLK Day, join us under the banner of Dr. King's quest for Americans to create stronger bonds with each other and their communities through service by volunteering together.

We must all continue to strive to realize Dr. King's vision of a stronger, unified nation by addressing our communities' most pressing challenges including education, the economy, our environment and response to disasters. Taking action on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and throughout the year, advances the causes close to Dr. King's heart and is a living memorial to his life and work.