    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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 redis

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    cover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans,
    and as people who share a common humanity.
    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.
    DONALD J. TRUMP