[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 2 (Monday, January 21, 2008)]
[Pages 82-83]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8216--Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2008

 January 16, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., changed our Nation forever through his 
leadership, service, and clarity of vision. On the Martin Luther King, 
Jr., Federal Holiday, we honor the lasting legacy of this great 
American, remember the ideals for which he fought, and recommit 
ourselves to ensuring that our country's promise extends to all 
Americans across this great land.
    In the brief time Dr. King walked upon this earth, he devoted his 
life to strengthening the content of the American character and called 
on our Nation to live up to its founding principles of life, liberty, 
and the pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. Dr. King's faith in 
the Almighty gave him the courage to confront discrimination and 
segregation, and he preached that all the powers of evil are ultimately 
no match for even one individual armed with eternal truths. Through his 
determination, spirit, and resolve, Dr. King helped lift souls and lead 
one of the greatest movements for equality and freedom in history.
    Our Nation has made progress toward realizing Dr. King's dream, yet 
the work to achieve liberty and justice for all is never-ending. In July 
of 2006, I was honored to sign the ``Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and 
Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act 
of 2006,''

[[Page 83]]

to renew the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and reaffirm our commitment to 
securing the voting rights of all Americans. My Administration will 
continue to protect the rights won through the sacrifice of Dr. King and 
other civil rights leaders, and our country will never rest until 
equality is real, opportunity is universal, and all citizens are 
empowered to realize their dreams.
    As we observe Dr. King's birthday, I encourage all Americans to 
celebrate his memory by performing acts of kindness through service to 
others. Let us live out Dr. King's teachings as we continue to work for 
the day when the dignity and humanity of every person is respected.
     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 January 21, 2008, 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 sixteenth day 
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:51 a.m., January 18, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
January 22.