Serve

Be of service. It's what fathers do.

By vote of the U.S. congress and very gradual acceptance by the states, today is the day that Martin Luther King is honored with a federal holiday. The honor to King — father of two boys and two girls — has always been with respect to what he did for others. This year, the day in his honor has become one promoting service.

So think of service, as did Iraq casualty First Sgt. Charles Monroe King, who although he was not a writer, scribbled more than 200 pages for his newborn son before he was killed. His wife expanded those love letters into "A Journal for Jordan," As a model for service he gave everything for his country and all that he could for his son.

Today, everyday, be a father who does that or even more.