[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHARING THE DREAM CELEBRATION IN 
                            ARLINGTON, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the ``Sharing Dr. King's Dream Celebration'' in Arlington, Texas, 
which marks its 20th Anniversary this year.
  It is one of the longest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations 
in the country, with citywide events taking place over four days 
starting January 16th
  The city's first MLK, Jr., celebration was held back in 1989. The 
organizing committee included groups from all over the community, 
including the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, City of Arlington, 
Arlington Independent School District, Arlington Ministerial 
Association, Black Citizen's Advisory Council, U.S. Postal Service, 
Marion Anderson Society, Fort Worth Star Telegram, The University of 
Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College--South East campus.
  That first event attracted nearly 1,000 participants. Over the years 
``Sharing the Dream'' has continued to grow and it now includes 
diversity training, sensitivity workshops, banquets, festivals and 
other multicultural events. This celebration truly embodies what Dr. 
King's vision was all about and that is a reflection of all communities 
coming together.
  And Arlington's MLK, Jr. Celebration committee continues to expand 
the event. Each year, in cooperation with the United States Postal 
Service, they produce an official cachet envelope and a special 
pictorial cancellation postmark to commemorate the citywide 
celebration. These special envelopes and postmarks have become 
favorites of collectors all over the nation.
  The theme for this year's cachet envelope and postmark is ``20th 
Anniversary--Sharing the Dream''.
  The design is always chosen from student submissions to various art 
or essay contests organized by the Arlington Independent School 
District. The celebration also recognizes special individuals who have 
taken the time to make a difference within their respective communities 
in the areas of Education, Community Service and Government.
  This is a unique and very special celebration that each year honors 
the contribution's of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and on its 20th 
Anniversary, I am proud to recognize the individuals and organizations 
that have helped make this event possible over the years and all of the 
people who have shared Dr. King's dream by attending.

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