[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.