[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING FAIRFAX COUNTY BRANCH OF THE NAACP FOR THEIR COMMEMORATION OF 
                       DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2004

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fairfax 
County Branch of the NAACP for their effort to honor one of our 
nation's most treasured heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  Together with members from throughout our community, the Fairfax 
County NAACP has used the anniversary of Dr. King's birthday to 
commemorate the life and legacy of this great American.
  The Fairfax County NAACP has used the teachings and life of Dr. King 
as inspiration to end the hatred of racism throughout the county and to 
celebrate the diversity that is common to this vibrant community. 
Through their efforts they have helped those who have faced 
discrimination find justice and have encouraged everyone to envision a 
world without intolerance.
  It is important that we honor and celebrate the accomplishments of 
Dr. King and how he helped our nation deal with the hatred that had 
threatened to destroy us. By coming together to celebrate his birthday 
we are honoring a man who gave our nation a new hope that we can all 
live together. I am certain the celebration that the Fairfax County 
NAACP is hosting will do justice to the legacy of this great man.
  However, we must celebrate what Dr. King taught us not just on his 
birthday, but every day. Every American should take the time to help 
their neighbor, enlighten a friend whose mind has been clouded with 
prejudice, and commit their lives to making the United States the true 
beacon of justice in the world. We must continue to live by the words 
of Martin Luther King and ``make justice a reality for all of God's 
children.''
  We must all strive to achieve the dream that Dr. King imagined for 
his children, so that our children's children will live in a world free 
from racism, discrimination and hatred.
  I applaud the Fairfax County NAACP for hosting this commemoration of 
Dr. King's life, a life cut short, but whose ideas, dreams and hopes 
continue to inspire our lives every day. I am pleased that they are 
using this opportunity to bring a beacon of light and hope to our 
community and share the legacy of Dr. King.

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