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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
______
HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of
the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of
liberty. Dr. King's life and, unfortunately, his untimely death, remind
us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. In
his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability
to achieve, Dr. King embodied all that is good and true in the battle
for liberty.
The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities
throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect
the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country
into the future. I am honored to rise today to recognize several
individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District who will be
recognized during the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Breakfast on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the Genesis Convention
Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was
founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast.
The Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to local
individuals who have for decades selflessly contributed to improving
the quality of life for the people of Gary. This year, Mark Spencer
will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum
Major Award. Additionally, Lieutenant Derrick Cannon, James Harris,
Suzette Raggs, Verlie Suggs, and Mildred Guthrie will be recognized as
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast.
Though very different in nature, the achievements of each of these
individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King
possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these
individuals saw challenges and faced them with unwavering strength and
determination. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found
in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul
generated by love.'' They set goals and work selflessly to make them a
reality.
Madam Speaker, I invite you and my other distinguished colleagues to
join me in commending these honorees, as well as the Gary Frontiers
Service Club officers, President Oliver Gilliam, who also served as the
MLK Breakfast Chairman, Vice President Charles Jackson, Secretary
Linnal Ford, Financial Secretary Valerie Tate, and Treasurer Floyd
Donaldson, and all members of the service club for their initiative,
determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest
Indiana.
____________________
