[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 7 (Monday, January 14, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMEMORATING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, one week from today, our 
Nation celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tomorrow is 
Dr. King's birthday. He would be turning 90 if his life wasn't 
violently cut short in 1968.
  Madam Speaker, it was November 3, 1983, when President Ronald Reagan 
signed a bill to mark the third Monday of every January as Martin 
Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday officially began 3 years later.
  Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. King was the son 
of a Baptist minister. He went on to receive his own doctoral degree in 
theology.
  Dr. King was a powerful orator, and his talents were on full display 
when he delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech in 1963. 250,000 
people gathered outside the Lincoln Memorial to hear his speech, which 
peacefully called for the end of racism. It is still regarded as one of 
the most influential moments in American history.
  Madam Speaker, I am thankful for all that Dr. King did to advance the 
civil rights of all Americans, and I am honored to commemorate his life 
and legacy.

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