Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

by Diane Edith Watson

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL

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HON. DIANE E. WATSON

OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, February 27, 2003

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to encourage my colleagues to cosponsor a bill I have introduced today, which will extend the authority to construct a memorial to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. here in our nation's capital.

I must commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, of which Dr. King was a member, for their tireless efforts in bringing this project to fruition. In 1996, Congress authorized the fraternity to establish a foundation to manage the fundraising and design of a memorial to Dr. King. Alpha Phi Alpha accomplished both tasks by launching the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation Fund, Incorporated and developing and appropriate design.

The site for the monument covers four acres on the Tidal Basin between the Presidents Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be the first African American honored as such on the Mall of the nation's capital. Similar to the everlasting work and message of Dr. King, the memorial will last in perpetuity.

Mr. Speaker, it is long overdue that a monument is raised to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. He made an enormous impact on America's collective moral fiber like no other human being. His principles of non-violence are universal and helped millions of people to overcome what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. It is fitting that his image be placed in the nation's capitol and enjoy the same status and significance as others who have left an indelible imprint on our nation and the world.

I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor this measure.

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