[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 17, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. 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 were recognized during the 33rd 
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, 
January 14, 2012, 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 paid tribute to several 
local individuals who have for decades unselfishly contributed to 
improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. Mayor Rudolph 
Clay was honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum 
Major Award for 2012. The individuals recognized as Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast included: Attorney Arlene 
D. Colvin, Mr. Richard (Chappy) Woods, Pastor Dwight A. Gardner, Ms. 
Sandra Jean Irons, Colonel (Retired) Richard D. Ligon, and Bishop E. 
Bobby Warren. Yolkfellow James Piggee was selected as the 2011 Frontier 
of the Year. In addition, the club also inducted its first Honorary 
Member, Reverend Pharis D. Evans, Pastor of Clark Road Baptist Church 
in Gary, for his many years of service to the Gary Frontiers Service 
Club. 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.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Chairman 
Clorius L. Lay and the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers: President 
Oliver J. Gilliam, Vice President Sean Jones, 1st Vice President James 
Piggee, Recording Secretary Melvin Ward, Financial Secretary Sam 
Frazier, Corresponding Secretary Ferba Hines and Treasurer/Seventh 
District Director Floyd Donaldson, as well as 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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