[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
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. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National Service 
Day that is held on the third Monday of January each year, the same day 
that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is observed.
  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is well known for his peaceful march 
on Washington, D.C. where he delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' 
speech and other nonviolent protests. But as a minister and civil 
rights activist, his vision was to end discrimination and to improve 
the lives of all mankind. He focused on community organizing where he 
told others that they can make a change if they worked together.
  In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it is important for people to 
get involved in their communities and give back to those in need. 
Volunteering at a food bank, helping to clean up a neighborhood, 
donating blood are simple ways that people can participate in National 
Service Day.
  It is time for us to get involved to help others and to improve our 
nation as a whole.

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