Congressman Cohen Statement in Recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tomorrow, on the steps of the Capitol, we will inaugurate the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. From the inaugural platform, President Obama will look across the expanse of the National Mall to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where one of America’s most courageous and compassionate prophets of peace — Reverend Martin Luther King — called upon our nation to fulfill the promise of its founding dream for all of our people.

In Memphis, where an assassin’s bullet took Dr. King’s life, this day has particular significance. His death remains to be a painful memory for all the people in the 9th District, and I urge everyone to honor his life today through community service.

Barack Obama’s historic inauguration makes this Martin Luther King Day all the more poignant, and I hope that we use this occasion to renew our commitment to fulfilling Dr. King’s dream. In his brief time with us, Dr. King inspired a nation to build ‘the beloved community’ of which he spoke. May this Martin Luther King Day be one of celebration and service, and may this year be one in which we bring ourselves closer to achieving his dream.

I ask all of my constituents to do their part to honor Dr. King and help make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265