Washington DC- Today Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA), one of the authors of the bill establishing the Martin Luther King national holiday, released the following statement:

“Today, January 15, we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King.  Monday, January 19, our nation sets aside a special day to honor his life and work which has meant so much to so many.  This year’s holiday is especially meaningful with the election of Barack Obama as our 44th President of the United States.

“Dr. King had a dream that people would be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.  We will soon see his dream becoming a reality for the highest office in the land.   

“As we reflect upon Dr. King’s life it is important to remember his message of equality and freedom for all.  Guided by the principle that 'all men are created equal,' Dr. King worked to bring people together.  He peacefully sought change for civil rights and upheld the ideals set forth in our nation’s heritage of life and liberty.

“Dr. King is an inspiration to all of us, this is certain.  His example showed us if we are going to solve the problems of this country we must work together.  Whatever our political affiliation: Democrat, Republican or Independent, we are all part of the same American family and together we can overcome any challenge.
 
“On the eve of President-elect Obama’s inauguration, we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King: a civil rights leader, humanitarian and an American icon who paid the ultimate price in his quest for justice.”