[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7642 of January 17, 2003
 
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., served as a voice of conscience for our
Nation, and his words and actions continue to inspire courage, humility,
and compassion. As a visionary leader of the civil rights movement, Dr.
King helped to advance human dignity by working peacefully to resolve
racial conflict through speeches, marches, and countless nonviolent
activities that helped our Nation recognize the importance of upholding
fully our founding ideals of equality, tolerance, and justice for all.
Dr. King's enduring contributions to America remind us and countless
others around the world that people should ``. . . not be judged by the
color of their skin but by content of their character.'' He also taught
us that lasting achievement in life comes through sacrifice and service.
His devotion to helping others reflected the true spirit of service and
citizenship, and his example continues to motivate individuals to serve
causes greater than themselves.
Dr. King wrote that ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere.'' As Americans celebrate the 18th national commemoration of
the life and legacy of this great leader, we recognize the lasting truth
of his words and his legacy, and we renew our commitment to the
principles of justice, equality, opportunity, and optimism that Dr. King
espoused and exemplified.
As we honor Dr. King's accomplishments, we pledge to work for a Nation
in which all people of every race realize the promise of America. No
government policy can put hope in people's hearts or a sense of purpose
in people's lives; but we can and will continue to support efforts that
seek to secure a Nation of dignity, liberty, and compassion.
To achieve this goal, our Nation must work to ensure that all American
children have an equal chance to succeed and reach their full potential.
One year ago this month, our country set a bold new course in public
education with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, ushering in
an era of accountability, local control, and high standards. This Act
affirmed our faith in the wisdom of parents and communities and our
fundamental belief in the promise of every child. Across America, States
and school districts are working diligently to implement reforms called
for by this important legislation, which will produce better results for
all of our students. My Administration is committed to these efforts,
and I will continue working with the Congress to enact reforms and
provide support to help build the mind and character of every child from
every background in every part of America. By working together to
advance Dr. King's ideals of equality and acceptance, we can achieve his
dream of a Nation united in understanding, defined in promise, and
guided by hope.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 20, 2003,
as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all
Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, com

[[Page 2992]]
117 STAT. 2992

munity, and service programs and activities in honor of Dr. King's life
and legacy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH