01/21/2008 Print Version
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a hero who displayed a different kind of greatness - a greatness achieved with unyielding faith and a servant's heart. Armed with a passion for justice, Dr. King endured criticism, death threats, imprisonment, the bombing of his home and other setbacks to achieve change that would alter the course of history. With his leadership, big blows were struck against the evil of racism. By preaching and practicing non-violence, Dr. King moved a nation to end segregation and ensure the protection of fundamental rights for all Americans.
As we look back on Dr. King's vision, as embodied in his landmark 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, we see that our nation has made great progress in changing attitudes and providing equal opportunities, but realize there is still work to be done. Today in 2008, we have the privilege and duty to carry on Dr. King's dream by being the agents of change in our communities.
I encourage all Californians to mark this holiday by making it a day of education and service. We can educate ourselves about the struggles that Dr. King and others experienced in fighting for civil rights, and we can take action by participating in service projects that help people in need. There are many fantastic opportunities to serve and more information can be found on the "MLK Day of Service" link on the website of CaliforniaVolunteers at www.californiavolunteers.org.
In this way, we commemorate Dr. King's outstanding legacy and continue to preserve his dream for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 21, 2008, as "Martin Luther King, Jr., Day."
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 15th
day of January 2008.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor
of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA
BOWEN
Secretary
of State
