MLK Day events to be held on Kadena Published Jan. 12, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- In 1983, President Reagan signed into law the observation of Martin Luther King Day as a federal holiday to be held every Jan. 15. This year, Kadena will be hosting the 2012 Okinawa MLK Celebration. "[The celebration] is not just for Kadena, even though we're hosting it," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Brown, 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron quality assurance. "[The events are] open to everybody island wide. It was important for us to reach outside the confines of Kadena." Three events will be held from Jan. 14-16 to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King. To kick off the weekend, a MLK 5k trivia fundraiser will be held at the Risner Fitness Center, Jan. 14. Registration will begin at 6 a.m. and all donations will go toward a student scholarship. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 16, an art exhibit will be at the Schilling Community Center. Art submissions from 10 local schools, on and off base, will be on display for visitors to admire. Also Jan. 16, from 1-3 p.m. the Keystone Theater will feature a musical performance by the Kubasaki High School chorus. Chaplain (Capt.) Kennie Neal will give a reading of the background and significance of the day and a screening of Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech will conclude this event. "We try to offer something for each demographic," Brown said. "Bringing schools here from different installations, we wanted to get the fitness crew out there with the 5K, the kids with the art exhibit, and the observation will probably bring a totally different demographic. We're hoping to hit all the different avenues with our three events."