[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 8 (Friday, January 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E49-E50]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 18, 2008

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
pay tribute to the significant accomplishments and contributions of the 
great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought tirelessly 
throughout his life against injustices not only towards African-
Americans, but for all members of society, in order to promote 
community amongst all citizens.
  As the Nation takes pause on Monday to honor the late Martin Luther 
King, Jr., we will remember the portrait of his life. Americans across 
the country will reflect on how the great Dr. King dedicated his life 
to making this Nation a more tolerant place. We will remember his 
critical role in the Civil Rights Movement--the Montgomery Bus Boycott, 
his involvement in the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership 
Coalition, his arrest in Birmingham, the march on Washington, his 
outspoken stance on the war in Vietnam--a collection of heroic acts 
that forged change in this great Nation.

[[Page E50]]

  As we reflect, we must remember this great leader's words that he 
delivered 40 years ago, ``If any of you are around when I have to meet 
my day . . . Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize, 
that isn't important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or 
four hundred other awards, that's not important. I'd like somebody to 
mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life 
serving others . . . I'd like for somebody to say that day, that Martin 
Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody. I want you to say that I tried 
to love and serve humanity.'' Though these statements spoke to the 
memory he wanted us to have of him at the time of his death, these 
words still linger as we consider his beginnings. We can still remember 
his humble outlook on life. We are truly saddened each time we hear 
these words, yet we can be grateful for his presence, even for such a 
short time.
  As we remember his legacy, it is important to realize the work of Dr. 
King is not complete. He dedicated his life to serving others and 
humanity. He believed in nonviolence. He believed in the greater good 
of mankind. What would Dr. King say about the violence plaguing cities 
across the country, in cities like Hartford, in my home State of 
Connecticut? Our children are growing up in war zones. Families are 
being devastated and a generation is lost.
  Madam Speaker, this year on Martin Luther King Day, I urge my 
colleagues and this Nation to remember Dr. King and his message of 
nonviolence. I urge all of us to realize his work of service and 
compassion to humanity. This year, let us truly remember Dr. King the 
way he asked--let us bring his message of compassion and nonviolence to 
our city streets.