REP. FUDGE STATEMENT ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY/ INAUGURATION DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Americans celebrate two landmark occasions on this day, the Inauguration of President Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement:

“I congratulate President Barack Obama, our nation’s 44^th President upon his inauguration to a second term and encourage all citizens to join with me in offering prayers and best wishes. May he lead our nation with courage, conviction and wisdom.”

“President Obama’s election and re-election as the first African-American President in United States history signify the strength of American democracy.  It reflects our founding fathers’ core principle that “all men are created equal”. The belief that every American, regardless of race, gender or religion, must have access to equal opportunity was at the heart of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  This year marks the 50^th anniversary of that speech, Dr. King’s clarion call for justice and equality in Washington in 1963.  As President Obama delivers his Inaugural address on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let all Americans rejoice in the shared legacy of Dr. King’s vision and our nation’s onward march toward a more perfect union.”