[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 15 (Thursday, January 23, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 3169-3170]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1659]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 15 / Thursday, January 23, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 3169]]


                Proclamation 7642 of January 17, 2003

                
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., served as a voice of 
                conscience for our Nation, and his words and actions 
                continue to inspire courage, humility, and compassion. 
                As a visionary leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. 
                King helped to advance human dignity by working 
                peacefully to resolve racial conflict through speeches, 
                marches, and countless nonviolent activities that 
                helped our Nation recognize the importance of upholding 
                fully our founding ideals of equality, tolerance, and 
                justice for all. Dr. King's enduring contributions to 
                America remind us and countless others around the world 
                that people should ``. . . not be judged by the color 
                of their skin but by content of their character.'' He 
                also taught us that lasting achievement in life comes 
                through sacrifice and service. His devotion to helping 
                others reflected the true spirit of service and 
                citizenship, and his example continues to motivate 
                individuals to serve causes greater than themselves.

                Dr. King wrote that ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to 
                justice everywhere.'' As Americans celebrate the 18th 
                national commemoration of the life and legacy of this 
                great leader, we recognize the lasting truth of his 
                words and his legacy, and we renew our commitment to 
                the principles of justice, equality, opportunity, and 
                optimism that Dr. King espoused and exemplified.

                As we honor Dr. King's accomplishments, we pledge to 
                work for a Nation in which all people of every race 
                realize the promise of America. No government policy 
                can put hope in people's hearts or a sense of purpose 
                in people's lives; but we can and will continue to 
                support efforts that seek to secure a Nation of 
                dignity, liberty, and compassion.

                To achieve this goal, our Nation must work to ensure 
                that all American children have an equal chance to 
                succeed and reach their full potential. One year ago 
                this month, our country set a bold new course in public 
                education with the passage of the No Child Left Behind 
                Act, ushering in an era of accountability, local 
                control, and high standards. This Act affirmed our 
                faith in the wisdom of parents and communities and our 
                fundamental belief in the promise of every child. 
                Across America, States and school districts are working 
                diligently to implement reforms called for by this 
                important legislation, which will produce better 
                results for all of our students. My Administration is 
                committed to these efforts, and I will continue working 
                with the Congress to enact reforms and provide support 
                to help build the mind and character of every child 
                from every background in every part of America. By 
                working together to advance Dr. King's ideals of 
                equality and acceptance, we can achieve his dream of a 
                Nation united in understanding, defined in promise, and 
                guided by hope.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 20, 2003, as 
                the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I 
                encourage all Americans to observe this day with 
                appropriate civic, community, and service programs and 
                activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy.

[[Page 3170]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventeenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-1659
Filed 1-22-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P