[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 13 (Friday, January 19, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 2883-2884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01130]



[[Page 2881]]

Vol. 83

Friday,

No. 13

January 19, 2018

Part II





The President





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Proclamation 9689--Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2018
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 13 / Friday, January 19, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 9689 of January 12, 2018

                
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., dedicated his 
                life to a vision: that all Americans would live free 
                from injustice and enjoy equal opportunity as children 
                of God. His strong, peaceful, and lifelong crusade 
                against segregation and discrimination brought our 
                Nation closer to the founding ideals set forth in the 
                Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. 
                Today, as we come together to honor Dr. King, we know 
                that America is stronger, more just, and more free 
                because of his life and work.

                This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of 
                Dr. King, who was tragically assassinated on April 4, 
                1968. As we approach this solemn milestone, we 
                acknowledge our Nation's continuing debt to Dr. King's 
                legacy. Dr. King advocated for the world we still 
                demand--where the sacred rights of all Americans are 
                protected, rural and urban communities are prosperous 
                from coast to coast, and our limits and our 
                opportunities are defined not by the color of our skin, 
                but by the content of our character. We remember the 
                immense promise of liberty that lies at the foundation 
                of our great Republic, the responsibility it demands 
                from all of us who claim its benefits, and the many 
                sacrifices of those who have come before us.

                Too often, however, we have neglected these ideals, and 
                injustice has seeped into our politics and our society. 
                Dr. King's peaceful crusade for justice and equality 
                opened our Nation's eyes to the humbling truth that we 
                were very far from fulfilling our obligation to the 
                promises set forth by our forebearers.

                The Reverend's devotion to fighting the injustice of 
                segregation and discrimination ignited the American 
                spirit of fraternity and reminded us of our higher 
                purpose. Through his words and work, he compelled us to 
                hold ourselves to standards of moral character and 
                integrity that are worthy of our Nation and of our 
                humanity.

                Dr. King once said: ``We refuse to believe there are 
                insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity 
                of this Nation.'' We must work together to carry 
                forward the American Dream, to ensure it is within 
                reach not only for our children, but for future 
                generations. As your President, I am committed to 
                building and preserving a Nation where every American 
                has opportunities to achieve a bright future. That is 
                why we are expanding apprenticeship programs, preparing 
                Americans for the jobs of our modernizing economy. We 
                are also working every day to enhance access to capital 
                and networks for minority and women entrepreneurs. With 
                all we do, we aim to empower Americans to pursue their 
                dreams.

                Importantly, in paying tribute to Dr. King, we are 
                reminded that the duty lies with each of us to fulfill 
                the vision of his life's work. Let us use our time, 
                talents, and resources to give back to our communities 
                and help those less fortunate than us. Particularly 
                today, let us not forget Dr. King's own tireless spirit 
                and efforts, as we work, celebrate, and pray alongside 
                people of all backgrounds. As one people, let us 
                rediscover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us 
                together as Americans, and as people who share a common 
                humanity.

[[Page 2884]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 15, 2018, 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.

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

[FR Doc. 2018-01130
Filed 1-18-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P