    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 20, 2003]
    [Pages 67-68]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Church Service Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., in
    Landover, Maryland
    January 20, 2003

        Thank you all. Thank you. Now I understand why a Hechinger
    warehouse--[laughter]--can become a center of love and compassion and
    fire. I am honored--Laura and I are honored that
    you would invite us and our friends, the Governor
    Jr. and the First Lady and the
    Lieutenant Governor and his lovely
    wife, to come and celebrate a great American.
        We're honored to be in the midst of a social entrepreneur whose
    guidebook for entrepreneurship to help others is the Bible. I want to
    thank the members of the church, the leaders of the church, and those
    who are in charge of the ministries of the church for sharing with us
    the good works of this church.
        It is fitting that we honor Martin Luther King in a church because,
    Gregory, I believe, like you, that the power
    of his words, the clarity of his vision, the courage of his leadership
    occurred because he put his faith in the Almighty.
        It is fitting that we honor the life of a great American in a church
    who derived his inspiration from the church. It is fitting that we honor
    this great American in a church because out of the church comes the
    notion of equality and justice. And even though progress has been
    made,  Sr. Pastor--even though progress has
    been made, there is more to do. There are still people in our society
    who hurt. There is still prejudice holding people back. There is still a
    school system that doesn't elevate every child so they can learn. There
    is still a need for us to hear the words of Martin Luther King, to make
    sure the hope of America extends its reach into every neighborhood
    across this land.
        So it's fitting we're here in a church that has got ministries aimed
    at healing those who hurt, at fighting addiction, at promoting love and
    families. It is fitting we meet here in a church because in this
    society, we must understand: Government can help; Government can write
    checks; but it cannot put hope in people's hearts or a sense of purpose
    in people's lives.
        And so as we remember the dream of Martin Luther King and remember
    his clear vision for a society that's equal and a society full of
    justice, this society must remember the power of faith. This Government
    of yours must welcome faith, not discriminate faith, as we deal with the
    future of this great country.
        And so, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for having Laura and me. Thank you for allowing us to worship with you.
    Thank you for opening up our hearts to the glorious word. May God bless
    you all. May God bless the legacy of Martin Luther King.

    [[Page 68]]

    And may God bless all Americans on this special day. Thank you,
    Pastor.  Sr.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:35 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of
    Glenarden. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich of
    Maryland, and his wife, Kendel; Lt. Gov. Michael Steele of Maryland, and
    his wife, Andrea; and Deacon Gregory Foster and Pastor John K. Jenkins,
    Sr., First Baptist Church of Glenarden. The Martin Luther King, Jr.,
    Federal Holiday proclamation of January 17 is listed in Appendix D at
    the end of this volume.