    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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, com

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    munity, and service programs and activities in honor of Dr. King's life
    and legacy.
    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH