In the United States, today is a federal holiday as we celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. He was very instrumental in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s as his message of non-violence was a major force for change in a segregated society. Today, over 40 years after his passing, he’s still speaking to us through his life transforming message. My poem Freedom is the Cry of Every Man speaks of this truth. Enjoy reading it as we celebrate just what it means to be free. Freedom Is the Cry of Every ManBy Rodrick WaltersFreedom is the cry of every man—a foundation on which to stand. Freedom to think, to imagine, to be;freedom brings dreams to reality. How can the bird fly unless it’s free? Or dreams take flight without eyes to see? The eyes of the wise are the ones we should cherish,for when there's no vision, we surely will perish. A free mind can make a pauper a kingwhen it discovers the potential deep within. It marches to the sound of its own unique beat,and helps make the life of a dreamer complete. All men should have the libertyto live their dreams – whatever they may be. For every man deserves the rightto soar like an eagle to higher heights.