[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

120 STAT. 3753
 
PROCLAMATION 7973--JAN. 13, 2006




Proclamation 7973 of January 13, 2006
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As we observe the 20th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Federal Holiday, we reflect on the history of civil rights in America
and honor Dr. King for the power of his intellect, the truth of his
words, and the example of his courage. Dr. King created a powerful and
enduring legacy for all Americans by calling upon our Nation to ensure
equal justice under law and uphold our founding ideals of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness for all people.
Dr. King became an active leader in the civil rights movement in the
1950s, strengthened in his resolve by the quiet courage of Rosa Parks'
refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus. He advocated
non-violent action as a means to overcome the evil of racism in America,
and he led the effort that resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Dr.
King later said that the legislation was the work of every citizen who
took to the streets and marched for justice and equality. The Voting
Rights Act, which became law the next year, guaranteed all citizens the
right to vote, regardless of race, and helped our country realize the
promise of the 15th Amendment to our Constitution.
Dr. King believed that all people are made in God's image and created
equal. He dedicated his life to empowering people, no matter their
circumstances, and challenged them to lift up their neighbors and
communities. He broke down barriers within our society by encouraging
Americans to look past their differences and refused to rest until our
Nation fulfilled its pledge of liberty and justice for all.
As we observe and honor Dr. King's birthday, we are reminded that great
causes often involve great sacrifices. In the five decades since Dr.
King and Mrs. Parks stood together in Montgomery, Alabama, our country
has made great progress toward equality for every citizen. Yet more work
remains. In the words of Dr. King, ``We will not be satisfied until
`justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.'
''
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 16, 2006,
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 the memory and legacy of Dr.
King.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH