[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL

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                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to encourage my colleagues to 
cosponsor a bill I have introduced today, which will extend the 
authority to construct a memorial to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. here 
in our nation's capital.
  I must commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, of which Dr. 
King was a member, for their tireless efforts in bringing this project 
to fruition. In 1996, Congress authorized the fraternity to establish a 
foundation to manage the fundraising and design of a memorial to Dr. 
King. Alpha Phi Alpha accomplished both tasks by launching the Martin 
Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation Fund, Incorporated 
and developing and appropriate design.
  The site for the monument covers four acres on the Tidal Basin 
between the Presidents Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. will be the first African American honored as such on 
the Mall of the nation's capital. Similar to the everlasting work and 
message of Dr. King, the memorial will last in perpetuity.
  Mr. Speaker, it is long overdue that a monument is raised to honor 
the life and legacy of Dr. King. He made an enormous impact on 
America's collective moral fiber like no other human being. His 
principles of non-violence are universal and helped millions of people 
to overcome what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. It is fitting 
that his image be placed in the nation's capitol and enjoy the same 
status and significance as others who have left an indelible imprint on 
our nation and the world.
  I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor this measure.

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