[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 972]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


   RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF AURORA'S 30TH ANNUAL COMMEMORATION OF DR. 
                        MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2016

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of 
Aurora's 30th annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 
commemoration, ``The Promise of Democracy: Breaking Barriers and 
Borders,'' will allow our city to reflect upon and appreciate the rich 
diversity that creates the vibrant community we call home.
  I commend the City of Aurora, Mayor Steve Hogan, the City Council and 
especially my longtime friend, Dr. Shannon-Banister, who is the founder 
of this celebration, for all of their continuing steadfast support of 
the only week-long celebration in the State of Colorado. I am proud to 
call the city of Aurora my home.
  This past September, Aurora erected a life size statue at our own 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Library as a constant reminder of Dr. King's 
selfless dedication to the pursuit of social justice and as an 
inspiration to continue this pursuit. On Monday, the statue will also 
serve as an embodiment of Dr. King's very tangible presence in Aurora.
  I am confident that if Dr. King were alive today, he would smile upon 
the kind words and gestures, hours of service, and bonds of friendship 
that will be offered in his honor this day. His legacy as a champion 
for equality and peace in this country still shine, Dr. King would be 
proud as many fellow champions continue in his tradition and promote 
his dream.
  As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us embrace and invite 
all cultures to join us in the brotherhood Dr. King so boldly imagined 
and let our actions echo his words: ``This is not the time to engage in 
the cooling off or to take the tranquility drugs of gradualism. Now is 
the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to 
rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit 
path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of 
opportunity to all of God's children.''
  I proudly pledge my support to the residents of Aurora as they 
embrace Dr. King's vision for our country and as they work to make that 
vision a reality.

                          ____________________