[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 3819-3820]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1303]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 13 / Thursday, January 20, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 3819]]


                Proclamation 8624 of January 14, 2011

                
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Half a century ago, America was moved by a young 
                preacher who called a generation to action and forever 
                changed the course of history. The Reverend Dr. Martin 
                Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to the struggle for 
                justice and equality, sowing seeds of hope for a day 
                when all people might claim ``the riches of freedom and 
                the security of justice.'' On Martin Luther King, Jr., 
                Federal Holiday, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 
                the holiday recognizing one of America's greatest 
                visionary leaders, and we celebrate the life and legacy 
                of Dr. King.

                Dr. King guided us toward a mountaintop on which all 
                Americans--regardless of skin color--could live 
                together in mutual respect and brotherhood. His bold 
                leadership and prophetic eloquence united people of all 
                backgrounds in a noble quest for freedom and basic 
                civil rights. Inspired by Dr. King's legacy, brave 
                souls have marched fearlessly, organized relentlessly, 
                and devoted their lives to the unending task of 
                perfecting our Union. Their courage and dedication have 
                carried us even closer to the promised land Dr. King 
                envisioned, but we must recognize their achievements as 
                milestones on the long path to true equal opportunity 
                and equal rights.

                We must face the challenges of today with the same 
                strength, persistence, and determination exhibited by 
                Dr. King, guided by the enduring values of hope and 
                justice embodied by other civil rights leaders. As a 
                country, we must expand access to opportunity and end 
                structural inequalities for all people in employment 
                and economic mobility. It is our collective 
                responsibility as a great Nation to ensure a strong 
                foundation that supports economic security for all and 
                extends the founding promise of life, liberty, and the 
                pursuit of happiness to every American.

                Dr. King devoted his life to serving others, reminding 
                us that ``human progress is neither automatic nor 
                inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice 
                requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle--the 
                tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated 
                individuals.'' Commemorating Dr. King's life is not 
                only a tribute to his contributions to our Nation and 
                the world, but also a reminder that every day, each of 
                us can play a part in continuing this critical work.

                For this reason, we honor Dr. King's legacy with a 
                national day of service. I encourage all Americans to 
                visit www.MLKDay.gov to learn more about service 
                opportunities across our country. By dedicating this 
                day to service, we move our Nation closer to Dr. King's 
                vision of all Americans living and working together as 
                one beloved community.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I BARACK OBAMA, President of the United 
                States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in 
                me by the Constitution and the laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim January 17, 2011, as the 
                Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage 
                all Americans to observe this day with appropriate 
                civic, community, and service programs in honor of Dr. 
                King's life and lasting legacy.

[[Page 3820]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-1303
Filed 1-19-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P