[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 650]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING OBSERVANCE 
                               COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Martin 
Luther King Observance Committee, located in Morristown, New Jersey as 
it celebrates its 45th Anniversary.
  Since 1970, the Committee, under the leadership of Dr. Felicia B. 
Jamison, has engaged the involvement of the whole Morris County 
community in programs and services that commemorate the extraordinary 
life and accomplishments of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Each year, the Committee encourages the community to join together in 
celebrating the birth of Dr. King by promoting and preserving his 
legacy.
  January 19, 2015 marks the 30th year that Dr. King's birthday will be 
commemorated as a National Holiday. Dr. King would have turned 86 this 
year, calling all Americans to remember his incredible life, and the 
impact his legacy has had on the course of American history. Fifty-two 
years ago, Dr. King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, here in 
our nation's capital, to deliver his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech 
to those participating in the March on Washington. In his speech, which 
proved to be a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King 
charged Americans, ``As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall 
always march ahead.'' In celebrating the life of Dr. King as a holiday 
each year, we renew our pledge to continue in his legacy and promote 
the complete equality of all people in this nation.
  Though it has only been a National Holiday for 30 years, the Martin 
Luther King Observance Committee has celebrated the birth of Dr. King 
for 45 years under the direction of Dr. Felicia B. Jamison. This year, 
to celebrate their anniversary in conjunction with Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Day, the Committee will hold two events on January 19th. First, 
their 30th Annual Interfaith Breakfast will begin the day by gathering 
all members of the community in celebration, as well as reflection on 
the legacy left by Dr. King. Following the breakfast, the committee 
will hold their 45th Annual Service of Celebration, properly honoring 
the life accomplishments of Dr. King and his influence in the Civil 
Rights Movement.
  The Morris County community of all ages or economic status, of all 
religious persuasions, and of all political affiliations have 
recognized and acknowledged the invaluable contributions Dr. King has 
made to each and every American. That is why the theme of the 
Committee's celebration this year is appropriately titled ``The Dream 
is Freedom; The Outcome is A Community of Persons.'' Regardless of the 
various differences that define us, all Americans can recognize and 
celebrate the influential legacy of a great American, Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr.
  Just last year, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Civil 
Rights Act, which you, Mr. Speaker, called possibly ``the most 
consequential piece of legislation'' in history. At the ceremony, Dr. 
King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King posthumously received a Congressional 
Gold Medal for their accomplishments. The Martin Luther King Observance 
Committee has expressed renewed encouragement in celebrating their 45th 
Anniversary, due to these awards recently presented to the Kings.
  I commend the members of the Martin Luther King Observance Committee, 
especially committee chair Dr. Felicia B. Jamison, for their dedication 
to promoting the rich legacy of the life and works of Dr. King. Through 
the annual celebration of Dr. King's birth, the Committee has 
consistently demonstrated a dedication and commitment to advancing his 
philosophy and teachings.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Martin Luther King Observance Committee as it celebrates its 45th 
Anniversary.

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