On November 3rd 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the Federal King Holiday Bill, making the third Monday of every January, the Federal King Holiday.
On January 20, 1986 he first, oldest, and largest MLK National Parade, Battle of Bands and Drum Line Extravaganza was held For the first time in American History, White marching bands and African American Marching Bands marched together in Salute and Tribute to the first Martin Luther King, Jr. National Parade in St Petersburg Florida.
Monday, January 20th, 2014 11am-3pm
National Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Parade begins at Third Ave. South and Martin Luther King St., goes north to Central Ave, east to Bayshore Drive and finally north to Fifth Ave. North, finishing at Vinoy Park.