National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., patrol the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on Jan. 18, 2021. The memorial was closed to the public through Jan. 21 due to security concerns surrounding the presidential inauguration scheduled for Jan.

It was first proposed four days after King's 1968 assassination outside a Memphis motel. It took 15 years until it became a federal holiday.

As the nation recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a traditional celebration will take place locally. The 2025 MLK Day Beloved Community Commemorative Service kicks off at 9 a.m. on Monday, and you can watch it live from home.