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Governor LePage Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 13, 2017
For Immediate Release: Friday, January 13, 2017
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531
AUGUSTA ? Governor Paul R. LePage signed today a proclamation declaring Monday, January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
?As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are reminded of the many opportunities we have as Americans to give back to our communities and of the social responsibility we have in being positive and productive citizens in our state,? said Governor LePage. ?Dr. King was dedicated to expanding equality, social justice and opportunity for all, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire us to make our society a better place for everyone.? Proclamation language is as follows:
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all, and challenged all Americans to participate in the never-ending work of building a more perfect union; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King?s teachings can continue to guide and inspire us in addressing challenges in our communities; and
WHEREAS, the King Holiday and Service Act, enacted in 1994, designated the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Services with leading the effort that has inspired millions of Americans to serve their neighbors and communities on the King Holiday; and
WHEREAS, serving on the King Holiday is an appropriate way to honor Dr. King, meet local and national needs, bring our citizens together, and strengthen our communities and nation; and
WHEREAS, the King Day of Service is the only federal holiday commemorated as a national day of service, and offers an opportunity for Americans to give back to their communities on the holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, King Day of Service projects are being organized by a wide range of non-profits in the State of Maine.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, proclaim January 16, 2017, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
throughout the State of Maine, and call upon the people of Maine to pay tribute to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through participation in community service projects on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the year.