Every year, the citizens of Baltimore come together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Along with all of our fellow Americans, the King holiday allows us to remember how far we have come as a nation, to remember the sacrifices of others, and to teach our children about the people who gave their lives so we can all be free.

On Monday at Noon, I will join residents, entertainers, and musicians in the 11^th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The parade takes place on Monday, January 17 at 12:00 noon. The parade steps off at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Eutaw Street, and proceeds south to Baltimore Street. For the third consecutive year, Forman Mills is the presenting sponsor for the parade.

I invite everyone to come out with friends and family to watch at any point along the parade route. The reviewing stand will be located near the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Franklin Street.

This year's parade features:

• A Can Can Make A Difference, an outreach of Adopt-A-Block, Inc. whose sole purpose is to eliminate hunger in the state of Maryland.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans.
• The Baltimore Chapter 9th & 10th Horse Cavalry Association - Buffalo Soldiers. The organization's main objective is to the maintain the legacy of African Americans who served in the US Army.
• The Baltimore Phil Berrigan Memorial Chapter Veterans For Peace, a national organization of US military veterans who serve the cause of world peace and seek peaceful, effective alternatives to militarism and war.
• M.A.T.H.S. Marching Panthers, a local school band consisting of musicians and dancers that are determined by excellence in academics and music.
• Women in Black, an international peace network with the desire to live in a world without war and other violence. 

For more information on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, presented by Forman Mills, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor's Office and be a part of the conversation on Twitter.