Proclamation Issued at Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event in Columbus

In Recognition of The 26th Annual MLK Birthday Breakfast

"Build Today A Better Tomorrow"

I am pleased to welcome all of those gathered at The Greater Columbus Convention Center for the 26th Annual MLK Birthday Breakfast honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This event is the largest of its kind in the United States observing the life and legacy of Dr. King. I am honored to be here so that I might personally convey to you that I stand here today, in unity with you, to honor a man of courage and dignity, who was a defining voice against both racial and economic injustice.

I would like to recognize today's Keynote Speaker, the Reverend Dr. James C. Perkins, well-known author, community activist, and a recipient of the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award, and all of those who worked so hard to make this tribute possible. This commemoration, and all of those taking place today across America, will ensure that each new generation will remember and admire one of the world's greatest leaders against injustice, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As Dr. King wrote in the letter from Birmingham Jail "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" - let us remember this each and every day. Let us emulate the model of civility and justice that he set forth. Let's rise above pettiness and bickering and come together to make our community, state and nation what our founders envisioned -- a land of opportunity for all…a land where all men and women are created equal. Let us "Build Today A Better Tomorrow".

On this 17th day of January 2011:

Rob Portman
United States Senator

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