13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Flower Mound, Texas

by Michael Clifton Burgess

13TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., DAY IN FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS

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HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

OF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Monday, October 24, 2005

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day commemorative event in Flower Mound, TX, my home town.

As a leader in non-violent resistance, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. strongly advanced human rights with hope to end racial prejudice in the United States. In 1986, Martin Luther King Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, this honored memorial is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday. On January 18, 1993, for the first time, Martin Luther King Day was officially observed in all 50 U.S. states.

To honor the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Baha'is of Flower Mound, joined with the Town of Flower Mound, the Tau Rho Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and other supporters, are sponsoring events commemorating and celebrating Dr. King's inspirational work. This celebration is intended to influence and educate young minds about the significance of freedom, liberty, and the acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, or social stratum. This year's events include Art and Essay contests among local middle and high school students. Twenty-eight prizes of $75 to $150 each will be awarded to winners. In addition, world-class runner, Gilbert Tuhabonye of Austin, will give the keynote address.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor today that I recognize this 13th annual event commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Flower Mound. Education and inspiration are a few of the most important gifts we can give our children, and I believe this event honors a man who showed such vision and wisdom.

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