Bredesen Statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 19, 2009 | 03:00am
"Today we commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor his fight to achieve equality and freedom for all Americans. On the celebration of what would have been his 80th birthday, we remember the hope he inspired in his and in future generations.
"Dr. King’s dream was for every man and woman to partake of America’s freedom and prosperity. In the face of adversity, he brought to life the possibility that we could all stand together to become a more perfect union. Today, the heart of his legacy beats strong as we press on in pursuit of his vision.
"On April 3, 1968, the day before he was assassinated, Dr. King delivered his last speech in Memphis, Tenn. “Something is happening in Memphis, something is happening in our world,” he said. “I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.”
"Tomorrow marks the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States and a new chapter in the life of our great country. On the eve of this historic occasion, we are especially mindful of one great American whose lasting dreams have helped steer our nation to its present.
"As Andrea and I travel to Washington, D.C. to represent Tennessee at the inauguration of our first African American president, I wish that Dr. King could join us and witness the realization of one his dreams – that we would be a nation willing to 'judge a man, not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.'"
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