This past Monday, January 16, we once again came together in the spirit of community fellowship to honor the memory and enduring legacy of civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr.

As people across the nation celebrated the official day of commemoration, we here in Somerville held our own ceremonies, chiefly the “A Call To Action” event at the Somerville Theatre organized by the Somerville Office of Commissions and the Somerville Public Schools.

Dr. King’s contributions to our society are immeasurably immense. As a staunch and fearless civil rights advocate he fought alongside the thousands who challenged the old status quo and helped to break the bonds that held millions of Americans at bay for generations. In the end, he made the supreme sacrifice as the victim of a hateful attack on his very life.

The Holy Bible says, in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” As a man of the cloth, Dr. King was more than simply aware of this concept. He lived it in his unfailing commitment to improving the society we live in. His memory stands as an inspiration to the present and future generations who will strive to continue the forward advancement of civilization.

He was, indeed, a friend to us all.