Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

On the 19th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, we remember that Dr. King served as a voice of conscience for our nation.  His words and actions continue to inspire courage, humility, and compassion around the world.  As the visionary leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. King helped to advance human dignity by working peacefully to resolve racial conflict.  He reminded our nation of our founding principles of equality, tolerance, and justice for all. 

U.S. Embassies throughout the world mark this important day with cultural programs such as symposia, exhibits, publications and media events that bring home to foreign audiences Dr. King's universal legacy of peace, tolerance and justice.  In Washington, the Department of State will host a tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King on January 22, 2004,with Professor Patricia Broussard of Howard University School of Law and the Eugene Burrough Middle School Chorus.

As the State Department commemorates Dr. King's international legacy, we are reminded of his l964 Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech:  "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality."  In Dr. King's international appeal for peace he also wrote,  "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

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