[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1816-E1817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON OF AUGUST 18, 2003

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                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Anniversary 
of the March on Washington when over 250,000 Americans convened near 
the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, brought together by a common cause--
achieving equality for all Americans.
  On that hot summer day in 1963, Americans arrived in Washington, D.C. 
to express a dire need for action against the dismal conditions of life 
for so many of our Nation's African-American citizens. Choosing to 
respond non-violently to injustices committed against them, the 
marchers rose above hate, calling for peace and justice with a clear 
voice that demanded change.
  I rise today in support of H. Res. 352, honoring the March on 
Washington as one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in United 
States history. It is important that we recognize the monumental 
importance of this event and its significance in the ongoing struggle 
for civil rights and equal rights for all Americans. We should also 
commemorate the courageous and inspiring men and woman who organized 
and participated in the March and dedicated themselves to the pursuit 
of equality and justice.
  We are a great nation of diverse backgrounds, drawn together by 
shared values and a common dedication to the cause of freedom, both at 
home and abroad. We, as a people,

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cherish our freedom and should honor those who have helped secure for 
us, and for those who will follow us, the freedom to pursue 
opportunity, the freedom to challenge inequality, and the freedom to 
actively and peacefully participate in the political process.
  Let the actions and poignant words of Dr. King serve as an example to 
us as well as the generations to come, that it is possible to dream 
and, through persistence and dedication, to realize those dreams. But 
let us not only commemorate these words, but continue to work to make 
Dr. King's dream a reality.
  As we commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the March on Washington, 
let us remember the struggles of those who came before us, and in so 
doing, help fully realize their dream so that one day our children will 
truly ``live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of 
their skin but by the content of their character.''

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