[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E82]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES ON MARTIN 
                            LUTHER KING DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2009

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
43--Recognizing the efforts of those who serve their communities on 
Martin Luther King Day. Of the many legacies left behind by this great 
leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of community building is 
one that resonates with us today.
  Martin Luther King Jr. recognized that in striving toward equality, 
the true work begins in the neighborhoods and streets of our 
communities. King demonstrated power of service through his work 
spreading his message across the United States. We not only pause on 
January 19, 2009, Martin Luther King Day to remember his legacy, but we 
use this as a day to promote his message of service. Volunteers across 
this great nation are working on service projects to commemorate his 
vision and teachings. In addition to asking Americans to serve, 
President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Biden, and their families 
will participate in service activities. President-elect Barack Obama 
leads by example as a former Chicago community organizer, helping 
people one at a time. When he calls for progress and change he asks the 
American people to participate in that change. Martin Luther King Day 
should inspire us all to participate in serving our communities 
throughout the year.
   Mr. Speaker, I rise in commemoration and celebration of the life and 
legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition, in the coming days 
and beyond, I encourage my fellow Americans to both celebrate great 
change that has come and strive to be the change that we need as we 
progress towards King's vision of the ``beloved community.''

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