FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 18, 2008                                             

Contact: Emily Barocas /202-225-7295/202-593-1377

 LARSON PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DR. KING  

Washington , D.C. -- Today Congressman John B. Larson CT-01, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 79th birthday, which the nation will observe on Monday:  

“As the nation pauses on Monday to honor the late Martin Luther King, Jr., we should reflect on how he dedicated his life to making this nation a more tolerant place.  We remember his critical role in the Civil Right’s Movement—the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his involvement in the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, his arrest in Birmingham, the March on Washington, his outspoken stance on the war in Vietnam—a collection of heroic acts that forged change in this great nation.”  

“Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought tirelessly throughout his life against injustices not only towards African Americans, but towards all members of society, in order to promote community amongst our citizens”  

“As we remember that legacy, it is important to recognize that the work of Dr. King is not complete.  He dedicated his life to serving others and humanity.  He believed in nonviolence.  He believed in the greater good of mankind.  What would Dr. King say about the violence plaguing cities across the country, like Hartford , in my home state of Connecticut ?  Our children are growing up in war zones.  Families are being devastated and a generation is being lost.”  

“This year on Martin Luther King Day, we should all remember Dr. King and his message of nonviolence.  This year, let us bring his message of compassion and nonviolence to our city streets.”