[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 3 (Monday, January 20, 2003)]
[Pages 81-82]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7642--Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2003

 January 17, 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, 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 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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., January 22, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
January 23.

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