[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 7 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING-

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, January 17, 2008-

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of 
the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of 
liberty. Dr. King's life, and, unfortunately, his untimely death, 
reminds us that we must continually work to secure and protect our 
freedoms. Dr. King, in his courage to act, his willingness to meet 
challenges, and his ability to achieve, embodied all that is good and 
true in the battle for liberty.
  The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities 
throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect 
the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country 
into the future. In particular, several distinguished individuals from 
Indiana's First Congressional District will be recognized during the 
29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Monday, 
January 21, 2008, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. 
The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was founded in 1952, sponsors 
this annual breakfast.
  This year, the Gary Frontiers Club will pay tribute to several local 
individuals who have for decades unselfishly contributed to improving 
the quality of life for the people of Gary. Those individuals who will 
be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's 
breakfast include: James Baker, Reverend Carrell Cargle, Sr., Eloise 
Gentry, Joseph Nichols, Earl Smith, Jr., and Attorney Frederick Work. 
Additionally, Finis Springer will be honored with the prestigious Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award, an award given out annually 
to an outstanding individual of the Gary community.
  Several other individuals will be receiving special recognition as 
well. Alpha Stewart will be recognized as the first female to serve as 
Chief of Police in the City of Gary. Also, Bill Joiner will be honored 
as the 2007 Yokefellow of the Year, and Dr. A.S. Williams will receive 
a special honor, the Founders Award, as the only remaining founder of 
the Frontiers Club.
  Though very different in nature, the achievement of all these 
individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King 
possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these 
individuals saw challenges and faced them with unwavering strength and 
determination. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found 
in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul 
generated by love.'' They set goals and work selflessly to make them a 
reality.
  Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to 
join me in commending the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers: 
President Oliver J. Gilliam, Vice President James Piggee, Secretary 
Melvin Ward, Financial Secretary Sam Frazier, and Treasurer/Seventh 
District Director Floyd Donaldson, as well as Breakfast Chairman 
Clorius L. Lay, Videographer Otho Lyles, Master of Ceremony Alfred 
Hammonds, the honorees, and all other members of the service club for 
their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people 
of Northwest Indiana.

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