Rep. Lee Zeldin’s Remarks From the 32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Hosted by the First Baptist Church of Riverhead

Riverhead, NY - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) spoke this morning at the 32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast hosted by the First Baptist Church of Riverhead. This is the transcript of Rep. Zeldin’s prepared remarks:

“Thank you Rev. Liggon and Rev. Coverdale, and thank you to everyone here to celebrate Martin Luther King Day; honoring one of the greatest heroes in the history of our nation. 

Dr. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, freedom and opportunity for all Americans - peacefully fighting social injustice and spreading the message of love and respect across our country.

He said that 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.' Dr. King encouraged fierce but peaceful protest of injustice, and acted selflessly in the fight against hate and intolerance. He taught us that nonviolence can be our greatest weapon in the struggle against prejudice. 
 
With racial tensions high in our country today, we must not only reflect on Dr. King’s message of unity and respect, but also recommit ourselves to doing our part. 

Across our country, hostility and deadly clashes have taken place all too often between citizens and fellow citizens, as well as citizens and law enforcement. We cannot allow this to tear our nation apart.

Challenges exist, but so do solutions, community, unity, prayer and common purpose. Dr. King believed that violence begets violence, and that racial tensions could only be truly overcome through peaceful discussion. All Americans, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or religion, must bind together in these trying times for our nation to move forward stronger. 

Our nation is fractured, but it does not always have to be this way. I know that we can enter a new day where no one is targeted because of the color of their skin, or for their uniform. We owe it to Dr. King to see his dream of a society unburdened by racism and prejudice become a reality.

Thank you again, Reverends, for allowing me to join you on this day. 

Today, we honor you Dr. King, we thank you, one of the greatest Americans of all time, whose powerful message of love and unity inspires me, inspires everyone else in attendance here this morning and all others paying tribute to you today and everyday all across the land of this country that may not have been the greatest nation in the world if not for you."