“On Monday we will celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a bold and active leader who fought to bring true equality and justice to all Americans.  His efforts earned him a Nobel peace prize and world-wide recognition.  But more importantly, he gave this nation the immeasurable gift of a better future.

 

“Four decades ago, Dr. King gave his life so that every citizen would have an equal opportunity to live theirs to the fullest. He called for education, health, and economic policies that offered everyone an equal shot at the American dream. Today, with our nation in the midst of an extraordinary economic crisis, we must continue to remember the importance of that timeless message.

 

“Just days before his death, Dr. King said, ‘Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.’

 

“Like Dr. King, we know that history moves. We have seen history moving in our lifetimes. It is an incredible tribute to his legacy that on Tuesday, we will swear in Senator Barack Obama to serve as our nation’s 44th President.  As we face great challenges in the days ahead, I have great confidence in his ability to lead and make America what it ought to be.”