Delaney Statement on 50th Anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream Speech" and March on Washington

Statement

On August 28, 1963 over 250,000 participated in the historic March on Washington, which culminated with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. The march was the largest demonstration for civil rights in United States history.

Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) issues the following statement:

Fifty years ago today, Dr. King challenged the nation to "make real the promises of democracy" and to live up to the ideals of our founding. His words left an indelible mark on the pages of our history. In the years that have followed, despite frustrating setbacks and all too many tragedies, we have continued to march closer to the vision Dr. King described at the end of his speech, his dream of children, black and white, joining hands as sisters and brothers.

As Dr. King said fifty years ago today, "1963 is not an end, but a beginning." Today's anniversary is no mere historical footnote, for we understand that our work is not done. We must be ever vigilant against injustice, against inequality, against the forces of hatred and the causes of despair. Dr. King understood that our destiny was to become a nation of opportunity for all Americans. Fifty years ago today they marched on Washington. In the halls of Congress, in statehouses around the country, in our hearts and in our homes, may the march continue.

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