Mayor proclaims 'Day of Service' to honor Mother Teresa

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the City Council asked all New Yorkers Thursday to honor Mother Teresa on Aug. 26 - proclaiming it "A Day of Service" - a rebuke to the Empire State Building owner for refusing to light the iconic edifice to celebrate the world renowned humanitarian.

"The Empire State Building does not speak for New York - New Yorkers speak for New York, and we are shouting from the rooftops to remember and honor Mother Teresa," said Queens City Council member Peter Vallone Jr.

Mother Teresa, who died in 1997, would have been 100 years old on Aug. 26.

Recognized for aiding the poor and sick, she is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and the Nobel Peace Prize.

Empire State Building owner Anthony Malkin refused this week to reverse his decision to light the Empire State Building in blue and white, the colors of Mother Teresa's order, citing a policy that it does not recognize religious leaders and organizations.