[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 137 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING 35 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 6, 2004

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Martin 
Luther King Observance Committee of Morristown, New Jersey in my 
Congressional District, which this year is celebrating its 35th 
Anniversary.
  The Committee, a local public service group, has solicited the 
involvement of the total Morris County community, and especially its 
young people, in its annual services commemorating the birth of Martin 
Luther King, Jr. since 1970. This celebration of faith, endurance, and 
commitment is a tribute to the rich legacy of the life and works of Dr. 
King.
  The Observance for 2005 marks the Twentieth year that Dr. King's 
birthday will be commemorated as a national holiday. As an expression 
of local unity and in recognition of this important event, the Martin 
Luther King Observance Committee is inviting the Morris Clergy Council 
to cooperate with the Committee in jointly sponsoring the commemorative 
services on Monday, January 17, 2005.
  The Martin Luther King Observance Committee will use for a theme 
``The Dream of Peace Is Dedicated Wholly to Truth.'' Each of us still 
makes a difference. Each of us needs to trust, to hope, to care, and to 
have the courage to make our democracy work for all if us. Yes, today 
we face great uncertainty and trepidation. Nevertheless, we will pull 
together as a community and nation during time of crisis. We are 
Americans indeed.
  From those individuals who spearheaded the initial celebration, the 
late Rachel Viola Jones and Dr. Felicia B. Jamison, the planning 
efforts has broadened to include members of the Morris Area Clergy 
Council, with representatives from all major faith traditions. In 
addition to the two founders, other volunteers who assisted in the 
early years included Emma L. Martin, George Dorsey, William ``Jack'' 
Harris, Reginald and Emanueline Smith, Flora Webb, Norman Jean 
Matthews, Woody Huff, Elizabeth Lubar, Cecelia Dowdy, Rabbi Z. David 
Levy, and Rev. Charles Marks.
  The core planning committee is continuing to carry on a tradition of 
excellence for this great program and has grown to include dedicated 
volunteers. Some of those individuals include Charles Jamison, Jr., 
James Mack, Janet Bonar, Patricia Johnson, Esq., Barbara Klingsporn, 
Mae Williams, Ronnie Rogers, Elie Sims, Nadine Alston, Rabbi Donald 
Rossoff, James Vance, Horace Melton, Marian Sykes Johnson, Gerald 
Martin, Dorothy C. Parker, Agnes Boyd, Rev. Paul Ratzlaff, and Rev. 
Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church.
  Mr. Speaker, I am quite certain that the Martin Luther King 
Observance Committee will continue in the years ahead to promote the 
cause of equality and educate our community in helping to promote 
opportunities for our young people to pursue productive, fulfilling 
lives. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Martin Luther King Observance Committee of Morristown as they celebrate 
35 dedicated years of serving our community, and especially Chairwoman 
Dr. Felicia Jamison.

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