Remembering that ‘all life is interrelated’

On December 24, 1967, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his last Christmas sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Though King focused on the connections among people living in all parts of the world, his words should resonate with those who consider their impact on their environment.

“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated,” King said. “We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.”

Today, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that is officially designated as a day of service. People who want to help their community—with activities ranging from tutoring students to picking up litter before it reaches our streams—can find opportunities to volunteer on the website of the Corporation for National & Community Service.

No matter the time of year or where you are in the Chesapeake watershed, visit the Chesapeake Bay Program’s events page to find more ways to connect with and improve our outdoors.