[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E10]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2009

  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 
30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, 
January 17, 2009, 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 Service 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: Pastor W.N. Reed, Roosevelt 
Allen, Jr., Otho Lyles II, Willie Horne, Era Cleveland Twyman, and 
George Burrell. Additionally, Reverend Pharis Evans and Mr. Cleo Wesson 
will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum 
Major Award, an award given out annually to outstanding individuals of 
the Gary community. This marks the first time two individuals have been 
honored with this distinguished award.
  After fifty-four years of service to the Gary community, the Gary 
Frontiers Service Club will proudly announce its first female members: 
Ferba Hines, Johnnie Rogers, and Gwen Johnson-Robinson. Yokefellow Sean 
Jones, a Gary Police Officer, was also named the 2008 Yokefellow of the 
Year.
  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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