[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8216--JAN. 16, 2008

Proclamation 8216 of January 16, 2008
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., changed our Nation forever through his
leadership, service, and clarity of vision. On the Martin Luther King,
Jr., Federal Holiday, we honor the lasting legacy of this great
American, remember the ideals for which he fought, and recommit
ourselves to

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ensuring that our country's promise extends to all Americans across this
great land.
In the brief time Dr. King walked upon this earth, he devoted his life
to strengthening the content of the American character and called on our
Nation to live up to its founding principles of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. Dr. King's faith in the
Almighty gave him the courage to confront discrimination and
segregation, and he preached that all the powers of evil are ultimately
no match for even one individual armed with eternal truths. Through his
determination, spirit, and resolve, Dr. King helped lift souls and lead
one of the greatest movements for equality and freedom in history.
Our Nation has made progress toward realizing Dr. King's dream, yet the
work to achieve liberty and justice for all is never-ending. In July of
2006, I was honored to sign the ``Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and
Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act
of 2006,'' to renew the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and reaffirm our
commitment to securing the voting rights of all Americans. My
Administration will continue to protect the rights won through the
sacrifice of Dr. King and other civil rights leaders, and our country
will never rest until equality is real, opportunity is universal, and
all citizens are empowered to realize their dreams.
As we observe Dr. King's birthday, I encourage all Americans to
celebrate his memory by performing acts of kindness through service to
others. Let us live out Dr. King's teachings as we continue to work for
the day when the dignity and humanity of every person is respected.
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 January 21, 2008, 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 sixteenth day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
GEORGE W. BUSH