[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON OF AUGUST 28, 1963

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                               speech of

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of pride that 
I rise today in support of H. Res. 352, which remembers and honors the 
March on Washington of August 28, 1963.
  Mr. Speaker, our nation recently celebrated the fortieth anniversary 
of this historic demonstration--an event that forever will stand for 
the proposition of full and equal rights for all Americans. This 
resolution will serve as a lasting tribute not only to one of the 
largest peaceful political demonstrations in U.S. history, but will 
also pay homage to the organizers and participants for their dedication 
and commitment to the realization of civil and equal rights for all 
Americans.
  Culminating in Dr. King's famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech, the March 
on Washington demonstrated that a collective force dedicated to the 
principles of non-violent protest could successfully fight prejudice 
and discrimination against African-Americans and other minorities. 
Properly commemorating this historic event and those who participated 
in it will also send a message to our youth that the struggle for civil 
rights continues. That we must remain resolute in our efforts to 
realize Dr. King's dream of a nation where one is ``judged by the 
content of their character and not the color of their skin.''
  Mr. Speaker, again it is my honor and privilege today to lend my 
wholehearted support to this important piece of legislation--which 
recognizes the monumental significance of the 1963 March on Washington 
in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. I want to thank my 
colleague, Sanford Bishop for sponsoring this important resolution. I 
urge all of my colleagues to support the Resolution and to never let 
the dream of Martin Luther King die. I leave my colleagues with a quote 
from Dr. King which should serve as a gauge in every action and for 
every vote we take here in this esteemed body, ``Injustice anywhere is 
a threat to justice everywhere.''

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