While Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is actually January 15, the federal holiday is celebrated today. Many are celebrating the day by participating in service events; President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be joining one in D.C. and the President said in a statement, "Martin Luther King, Jr. lived his life for others, dedicating his work to ensuring equal opportunity, freedom, and justice for all. I encourage every American to observe this holiday in honor of Dr. King's selfless legacy by volunteering in their own communities and by dedicating time each day to bettering the lives of those around us."

The Reverend Al Sharpton is holding a MLK Day event at his National Action Network headquarters in Harlem, where speakers include Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, former NYC Mayor David Dinkins and many others. Bloomberg is also at a MLK breakfast at Martin Luther King Jr. High School on Amsterdam at West 65th Street with actor James Earl Jones.

And there are many closures: NYC government offices are closed, as are schools and financial markets. There is no garbage pickup, street cleaning or recycling. NYC Transit subways and buses are traveling on a Saturday schedule, while LIRR is on a holiday schedule and Metro-North is on a special holiday schedule. NJ Transit is running on a weekend schedule.