Statement from Gov. Paterson
“Today we celebrate the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Dr. King fought not just for the rights of African-Americans, but for the rights of all Americans. He recognized that a nation conceived in liberty and committed to justice could not stand as a beacon to the world if many of its people remained second-class citizens. Justice denied to some was justice denied to all.
“When Barack Obama takes the oath of office to become the 44th President of the United States, we will witness another important step toward Dr. King’s dream of a post-racial America. This will undoubtedly be a moment of unity and triumph for our country, but even as we recognize that racism has been dealt a crushing blow, we know there is much more work to be done if we are to fully realize Dr. King’s dream.
“Dr. King recognized what President-elect Obama has fittingly called “the fundamental truth that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better – and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us.
“So, on the eve of this historic day, let us again celebrate Dr. King for his service, his sacrifice, and the lasting imprint he has left on our emerging American story.”
“Dr. King fought not just for the rights of African-Americans, but for the rights of all Americans. He recognized that a nation conceived in liberty and committed to justice could not stand as a beacon to the world if many of its people remained second-class citizens. Justice denied to some was justice denied to all.
“When Barack Obama takes the oath of office to become the 44th President of the United States, we will witness another important step toward Dr. King’s dream of a post-racial America. This will undoubtedly be a moment of unity and triumph for our country, but even as we recognize that racism has been dealt a crushing blow, we know there is much more work to be done if we are to fully realize Dr. King’s dream.
“Dr. King recognized what President-elect Obama has fittingly called “the fundamental truth that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better – and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us.
“So, on the eve of this historic day, let us again celebrate Dr. King for his service, his sacrifice, and the lasting imprint he has left on our emerging American story.”
.jpg)
Comments