“On Monday, we remember, and celebrate, the life and lessons taught to us by one of America’s greatest pioneers and champions of civil rights - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  It’s been 77 years since Dr. King was born. And though he is no longer with us today in person, his spirit is, and his actions continue to inspire the young and old alike throughout America and around the world.   

“Dr. King left us with a legacy of enduring lessons - lessons about courage, integrity, decency, fairness, honesty, and equal rights for all people.  He provided those lessons not just through his memorable speeches, but also more importantly through deed and action.  Dr. King inspired the world and led by example.    

“Dr. King once wrote, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ and he was right.  The presence of injustice puts us and our ideals in jeopardy.  Dr. King gave his life fighting for justice and I believe we should carry out that legacy. 

“We have much to learn from Dr. King.  He taught us that no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all capable of achieving great things, even when faced with overwhelming obstacles.  Dr. King led a lifetime of relentless perseverance to achieve the ultimate goal - equality among all races – and pursued his quest through an unyielding dedication to non-violence.  He was assassinated for daring to dream - daring to dream that all of us could live in a land free of segregation - a land blind to the color of a person’s skin.  

“In 1994, Congress passed a law that mandated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a day of service, thus making it, 'A day on, not off.' As we honor his dream and reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, we must take a look at our own lives – are we people of action?  Do we lead by example?  I implore upon you; don’t just passively remember Dr. King this weekend.  Be proactive.  I invite you to seek out activities in your community that celebrate his legacy, and share his story with your children so that we can help everyone to live out the vision of his dream.  I urge you to visit www.mlkday.gov/grantees/06projectsites_location.asp and find a service project near you.  

“It is with tremendous respect and admiration that I salute Dr. King for all he stood for and all he did to forever change America for the better.”