[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 4 (Monday, January 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       39TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 8, 2018

  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, remind 
us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. In 
his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability 
to achieve, Dr. King 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. I am honored to rise today to recognize several 
individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District who will be 
recognized during the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial 
Breakfast on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the Genesis Convention 
Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was 
founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast.
   The Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to local 
individuals who have for decades selflessly contributed to improving 
the quality of life for the people of Gary. This year, Earmon Irons 
will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum 
Major Award. Additionally, several individuals will be recognized as 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast including 
Chareice White, Mark Spencer, Roma Ivey, Henry L. Jones, Dharathula 
Harris, and Dr. Janet Seabrook.
   Though very different in nature, the achievements of each of 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 invite you and my other distinguished colleagues to 
join me in commending these honorees, as well as the Gary Frontiers 
Service Club officers, President Oliver Gilliam, who also served as the 
MLK Breakfast Chairman, Vice President Charles Jackson, Recording 
Secretary Linnal Ford, Financial Secretary Melvin Ward, and Treasurer/
Seventh District Director Floyd Donaldson, and all members of the 
service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to 
serving the people of Northwest Indiana.

                          ____________________