Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2008

Proclamation 8216 of January 16, 2008

Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., changed our Nation forever
through his leadership, service, and clarity of vision.
On the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, we
honor the lasting legacy of this great American,
remember the ideals for which he fought, and recommit
ourselves to ensuring that our country's promise
extends to all Americans across this great land.

In the brief time Dr. King walked upon this earth, he
devoted his life to strengthening the content of the
American character and called on our Nation to live up
to its founding principles of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. Dr. King's
faith in the Almighty gave him the courage to confront
discrimination and segregation, and he preached that
all the powers of evil are ultimately no match for even
one individual armed with eternal truths. Through his
determination, spirit, and resolve, Dr. King helped
lift souls and lead one of the greatest movements for
equality and freedom in history.

Our Nation has made progress toward realizing Dr.
King's dream, yet the work to achieve liberty and
justice for all is never-ending. In July of 2006, I was
honored to sign the ``Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and
Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization
and Amendments Act of 2006,'' to renew the Voting
Rights Act of 1965 and reaffirm our commitment to
securing the voting rights of all Americans. My
Administration will continue to protect the rights won
through the sacrifice of Dr. King and other civil
rights leaders, and our country will never rest until
equality is real, opportunity is universal, and all
citizens are empowered to realize their dreams.

As we observe Dr. King's birthday, I encourage all
Americans to celebrate his memory by performing acts of
kindness through service to others. Let us live out Dr.
King's teachings as we continue to work for the day
when the dignity and humanity of every person is
respected.

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 January 21, 2008, 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
sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.