WHEREAS,  January 20, 2020 marks the national and state holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorating his birth on January 15, 1929; and

WHEREAS,  Martin Luther King, Jr., was a Baptist minister who advocated the furtherance of civil and human rights for all Americans through nonviolence; and

WHEREAS,  this man of great spirit showed this country a dream of "an oasis of freedom and justice"; and

WHEREAS,  Dr. King, a model of an American patriot, provided the nation with one of the most prophetic and influential voices in our history; and

WHEREAS,  for his tireless work to ensure equality and justice, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a high and honorable distinction, in 1964; and

WHEREAS,  his eloquence, his perseverance and his faith moved mountains and brought about landmark legal and social changes by appealing to the better instincts and consciences of his fellow human beings; and

WHEREAS,  the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., which ended so tragically on April 4, 1968, is a shining example to Americans and citizens of the world at large of uncompromising dedication to the highest ideals; now, therefore, be it