[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
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. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
43, which recognizes the efforts of those who serve their communities 
on Martin Luther King Day and promotes the holiday as a day of national 
service.
  During his life, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of 
service to strengthen communities. In 1994, Congress made Martin Luther 
King Day a national day of community volunteerism to further 
commemorate Dr. King's commitment to others.
  This King Day, as part of inauguration festivities, President-elect 
Barack Obama has encouraged all Americans to not only use this day to 
volunteer, but to also make a long-term commitment to community 
service.
  At home in Minnesota, and across the nation, many will volunteer to 
serve their communities by working at food banks, helping the homeless, 
and improving schools. Minnesotans have a proud tradition of civic 
engagement. In a study conducted by the Corporation for National and 
Community Service, Minneapolis-St. Paul was ranked number one for 
volunteer rates in a large city.
  As we begin this new Congress and new White House Administration, I 
can think of no better way to strengthen our country than to help 
create change in our communities. I encourage everyone to get involved 
this Martin Luther King Day and to browse http://www.usaservice.org for 
volunteer opportunities. I also want to thank every American who will 
volunteer on Monday and those that continue to serve throughout the 
year.

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