Presidential Documents

2883 

Federal Register 

Vol. 83, No. 13 

Friday, January 19, 2018 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9689 of January 12, 2018 

Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2018 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., dedicated his life to a vision: 

that all Americans would live free from injustice and enjoy equal opportunity 

as children of God. His strong, peaceful, and lifelong crusade against segregation and discrimination brought our Nation closer to the founding ideals 

set forth in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Today, 

as we come together to honor Dr. King, we know that America is stronger, 

more just, and more free because of his life and work. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. King, who was 

tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968. As we approach this solemn milestone, we acknowledge our Nation’s continuing debt to Dr. King’s legacy. 

Dr. King advocated for the world we still demand—where the sacred rights 

of all Americans are protected, rural and urban communities are prosperous 

from coast to coast, and our limits and our opportunities are defined not 

by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character. We remember 

the immense promise of liberty that lies at the foundation of our great 

Republic, the responsibility it demands from all of us who claim its benefits, 

and the many sacrifices of those who have come before us. 

Too often, however, we have neglected these ideals, and injustice has seeped 

into our politics and our society. Dr. King’s peaceful crusade for justice 

and equality opened our Nation’s eyes to the humbling truth that we were 

very far from fulfilling our obligation to the promises set forth by our 

forebearers. 

The Reverend’s devotion to fighting the injustice of segregation and discrimination ignited the American spirit of fraternity and reminded us of our 

higher purpose. Through his words and work, he compelled us to hold 

ourselves to standards of moral character and integrity that are worthy 

of our Nation and of our humanity. 

Dr. King once said: ‘‘We refuse to believe there are insufficient funds in 

the great vaults of opportunity of this Nation.’’ We must work together 

to carry forward the American Dream, to ensure it is within reach not 

only for our children, but for future generations. As your President, I am 

committed to building and preserving a Nation where every American has 

opportunities to achieve a bright future. That is why we are expanding 

apprenticeship programs, preparing Americans for the jobs of our modernizing economy. We are also working every day to enhance access to capital 

and networks for minority and women entrepreneurs. With all we do, we 

aim to empower Americans to pursue their dreams. 

Importantly, in paying tribute to Dr. King, we are reminded that the duty 

lies with each of us to fulfill the vision of his life’s work. Let us use 

our time, talents, and resources to give back to our communities and help 

those less fortunate than us. Particularly today, let us not forget Dr. King’s 

own tireless spirit and efforts, as we work, celebrate, and pray alongside 

people of all backgrounds. As one people, let us rediscover the bonds 

of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans, and as people 

who share a common humanity. 


daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PRES DOCS
2884 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 13 / Friday, January 19, 2018 / Presidential Documents 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 15, 2018, 

as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans 

to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service programs 

and activities in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day 

of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortysecond. 

[FR Doc. 2018–01130 

Filed 1–18–18; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F8–P 


daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PRES DOCSTrump.EPS</GPH>