[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