Honoring the Life and Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Floor Speech

HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 18, 2008)

HON. JOHN B. LARSON
OF CONNECTICUT
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2008

* Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the significant accomplishments and contributions of the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought tirelessly throughout his life against injustices not only towards African-Americans, but for all members of society, in order to promote community amongst all citizens.

* As the Nation takes pause on Monday to honor the late Martin Luther King, Jr., we will remember the portrait of his life. Americans across the country will reflect on how the great Dr. King dedicated his life to making this Nation a more tolerant place. We will remember his critical role in the Civil Rights Movement--the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his involvement in the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Coalition, his arrest in Birmingham, the march on Washington, his outspoken stance on the war in Vietnam--a collection of heroic acts that forged change in this great Nation.

* As we reflect, we must remember this great leader's words that he delivered 40 years ago, ``If any of you are around when I have to meet my day ..... Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize, that isn't important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards, that's not important. I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others ..... I'd like for somebody to say that day, that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.'' Though these statements spoke to the memory he wanted us to have of him at the time of his death, these words still linger as we consider his beginnings. We can still remember his humble outlook on life. We are truly saddened each time we hear these words, yet we can be grateful for his presence, even for such a short time.

* As we remember his legacy, it is important to realize the work of Dr. King is not complete. He dedicated his life to serving others and humanity. He believed in nonviolence. He believed in the greater good of mankind. What would Dr. King say about the violence plaguing cities across the country, in cities like Hartford, in my home State of Connecticut? Our children are growing up in war zones. Families are being devastated and a generation is lost.

* Madam Speaker, this year on Martin Luther King Day, I urge my colleagues and this Nation to remember Dr. King and his message of nonviolence. I urge all of us to realize his work of service and compassion to humanity. This year, let us truly remember Dr. King the way he asked--let us bring his message of compassion and nonviolence to our city streets.

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