[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2020

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam 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 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial 
Breakfast on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 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, Mark Spencer 
will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum 
Major Award. Additionally, Lieutenant Derrick Cannon, James Harris, 
Suzette Raggs, Verlie Suggs, and Mildred Guthrie will be recognized as 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast.
   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.
   Madam 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, Secretary 
Linnal Ford, Financial Secretary Valerie Tate, and Treasurer Floyd 
Donaldson, and all members of the service club for their initiative, 
determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest 
Indiana.

                          ____________________