For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 17, 2003
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2003
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., served as a voice of conscience for
our Nation, and his words and actions continue to inspire courage,
humility, and compassion. As a visionary leader of the civil rights
movement, Dr. King helped to advance human dignity by working
peacefully to resolve racial conflict through speeches, marches, and
countless nonviolent activities that helped our Nation recognize the
importance of upholding fully our founding ideals of equality,
tolerance, and justice for all. Dr. King's enduring contributions to
America remind us and countless others around the world that people
should ". . . not be judged by the color of their skin but by content
of their character." He also taught us that lasting achievement in
life comes through sacrifice and service. His devotion to helping
others reflected the true spirit of service and citizenship, and his
example continues to motivate individuals to serve causes greater than
themselves.
Dr. King wrote that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere." As Americans celebrate the 18th national commemoration of
the life and legacy of this great leader, we recognize the lasting
truth of his words and his legacy, and we renew our commitment to the
principles of justice, equality, opportunity, and optimism that Dr.
King espoused and exemplified.
As we honor Dr. King's accomplishments, we pledge to work for a
Nation in which all people of every race realize the promise of
America. No government policy can put hope in people's hearts or a
sense of purpose in people's lives; but we can and will continue to
support efforts that seek to secure a Nation of dignity, liberty, and
compassion.
To achieve this goal, our Nation must work to ensure that all
American children have an equal chance to succeed and reach their full
potential. One year ago this month, our country set a bold new course
in public education with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act,
ushering in an era of accountability, local control, and high
standards. This Act affirmed our faith in the wisdom of parents and
communities and our fundamental belief in the promise of every child.
Across America, States and school districts are working diligently to
implement reforms called for by this important legislation, which will
produce better results for all of our students. My Administration is
committed to these efforts, and I will continue working with the
Congress to enact reforms and provide support to help build the mind
and character of every child from every background in every part of
America. By working together to advance Dr. King's
ideals of equality and acceptance, we can achieve his dream of a
Nation united in understanding, defined in promise, and guided by
hope.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 20,
2003, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all
Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and
service programs and activities in honor of Dr. King's life and
legacy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth
day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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