Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: There is value in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy and in setting aside a day or days for the recalling of his life and rededicating ourselves to the values he upheld; and
WHEREAS: The exceptional and separate character of our values and our way of life can be highlighted through national holidays such as this one; and
WHEREAS: Patriotic celebrations give us an opportunity to recognize liberties possible in the United States and to express our faith in our system of government; and
WHEREAS: The Reverend Dr. King in 1961 challenged the then federal government, noting “History has thrust upon the present administration an indescribably important destiny---to complete a process of democratization which our nation has taken too long to develop, but which is our most powerful weapon for earning would respect and emulation. How we deal with this crucial problem of racial discrimination will determine our moral health as individuals, our political health as a nation, our prestige as a leader of the free world.” This challenge was not completely responded to in 1961 and it is still before us in 2004.
WHEREAS: The City of Lawrence, Kansas, USD #497, Haskell Indian Nations University, University of Kansas and other community institutions are all cooperating to support the activities planned for the 19th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration and urge local residents to take part in them;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David M. Dunfield, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim the week of January 12 – 19, 2004 as