January 16, 1999
Web posted at: 12:40 p.m. EST (1740 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Clinton on Saturday called for Americans to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "by rising to the call of citizen service."

"To honor what would have been Dr. King's 70th birthday, I urge all Americans to rise to the highest calling in our land -- the calling of active citizenship," Clinton said in his weekly radio address.

Five years ago, Clinton signed into law legislation that encourages Americans to devote the day set aside in King's honor, this Monday, to performing community service.

"We believe that this national holiday should be a day on, not a day off," Clinton said. "Dr. King once said, 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is -- what are you going to do for others?'"

He urged Americans to join the 100,000 already committed to public service and noted the accomplishments of the administration's Americorps national service program.

He urged citizens to log on to the Americorps Web site to sign up for projects in their communities.

Another way to honor King, said the president, is to "give the gift of life by donating blood."

"America's blood supplies are now critically low because severe winter weather has hindered blood drives in several regions. I urge every American to find out where you can donate blood by calling 1-800-GIVELIFE," he said.

Also in conjunction with the King Holiday, Clinton released a long-awaited report from the White House initiative on race relations.

Entitled "Pathways to One America in the 21st Century," the guide for community service is intended "to encourage racial reconciliation," Clinton said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Saturday January 16, 1999

• Prosecution: Acquittal of Clinton would 'damage' presidency
• Momentum to call witnesses grows in Clinton trial
• Lott's bipartisan witness group nixed by Daschle
• Impeachment plays to small audience
• Checking the House managers' facts
• Budget surpluses expected to grow more than projected
• Speaker calls for dignity during Clinton's annual address
• Clinton urges Americans to honor King Day through citizen service
• Republicans call on Clinton to offer new Social Security plan
• Clinton's praise of wife's perseverance evokes tears
• Impeachment crisis began a year ago

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