    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 3 (Monday, January 23, 2006)]
    [Page 73]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7973--Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2006

    January 13, 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

    [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:23 a.m., January 18,
    2006]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on January
    19. This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.