Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated annually on the third Monday of January, this year the national holiday falls on Jan. 21. It is a day for Americans to take a break from their day-to-day routines and reflect on the past and how hard people like King worked and continue to work to create change in the world. Throughout the District there are many opportunities for residents and visitors of the nation’s capital to honor the life, legacy and death of King. Forty years after his assassination, King would have turned 79 years old.

The following are events that will be held around the District on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

National Cathedral Martin Luther King ProgramJan. 21, 2 to 4 p.m. Cathedral, Wisconsin & Massachusetts Avenues Northwest, Washington, D.C. Local poet, performer and educator Bomani Armah will lead a multi-sensory, musical and energized celebration along with middle and high school students.

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at StrathmoreJan. 21, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.The world class Music Center at Strathmore will honor Dr. King with musical entertainment. This year’s program features area talent including the Morgan State University Choir. The annual celebration is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and tickets must be reserved.

Let Freedom Ring Choir Jan. 21, 6 p.m. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts2700 F St. N.W., Washington, D.C. This free concert is a part of Georgetown University’s Let Freedom Ring initiative, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The National Alliance of Faith and Justice: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Peace WalkJan. 21, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.Marchers will assemble at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church at 2616 MLK Ave. S.E. and end at Covenant Baptist Church on 3845 South Capitol St. S.W.

United States Veteran Initiatives: Don’t Give us a Dime; Give us Your Time! Jan. 21, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.All have been invited by the United States Veterans to help clean up U Street. Volunteers will meet at the Reeves Center on 1403 V St.

We Feed Our People (WFOP) Jan. 21, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day WFOP annually provides warm clothing, meals and health screenings to the homeless and poor in the District. The event will take place outside of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library on 9th and G Street Northwest.

These are some of the events and community service activities that are being held in the District. For information on other ways to spend your Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, go to http://mlkday.gov or http://dc.about.com/.