For Release: Jan. 18, 2008
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Statement of Attorney General Bob McDonnell on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Richmond - Attorney General Bob McDonnell released the following statement regarding the observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. official state holiday on Monday:
“Monday, our nation will pause to remember a strong and courageous leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through his character and passion, America was changed. Many born after Dr. King’s passing will find a more just America because of his work. Dr. King embodied the words of Emerson, that if a man ‘plants himself indomitably on his instincts and there abide, eventually the whole world will come round to him.’ While he died a young man, 40 years ago, his mark on our nation is clear, and thus we celebrate his life as a state holiday separately designated in 2000 by Governor Jim Gilmore.
“Of course Dr. King was not alone in his work. His vision of justice and equality under law was carried forward by other pioneers in our country. Last August, Virginia lost one of these leaders, Dr. Oliver Hill. This summer, we will unveil the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the Capitol grounds in Richmond. The Memorial will feature likenesses of Dr. Hill, and other Virginia crusaders for civil liberties. This memorial will be a testament to the collective advancements of our society and to the enduring vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
