WASHINGTON - In anticipation of the nation's Martin Luther King Jr.
Day observance on Monday, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has issued a
message to members of the Defense Department outlining his personal view of
the slain civil rights leader's impact on America.
Here is the text of the secretary's message:
"My career in public service began more than 40 years ago at the height of
the civil rights movement. As a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate, I
worked on landmark civil rights legislation and as director of the U.S.
Office for Civil Rights, I had the responsibility to enforce those laws.
"At that time, I saw how one man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., could make a
difference. He did so by challenging his fellow citizens to reflect on what
it means to be American. Faced with opposition, he did not threaten violence,
but rather gained strength from the truth of his convictions. His powerful
ideas and lyrical words compelled our nation to live by its founding
principle: that we are born with equal rights to life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.
"In the end, he changed not only the law of our land, but also struck a note
for freedom that still resonates in the hearts and minds of the American
people and the entire world. That's a legacy worth celebrating.
"Dr. King renewed the promise of America's dream. His example inspired a
movement for our country to reclaim its fundamental pledge - so that we
might live as one nation, with liberty and justice for all. Every man and
woman at the Department of Defense should strive to uphold these fundamental
ideals.
"One of my proudest moments was the opportunity to meet Dr. King and years
later, as a congressman, to cast my vote to set aside a day dedicated to Dr.
King's memory. This weekend, I hope each of you will think about just how
much this one man's life and accomplishments have meant to our country. The
nation we work so hard to protect is a better place because of him. In
fighting for equal justice, he was fighting for all of us."