Manchin Statement on Celebrating the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on celebrating the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
“Every Presidential Inauguration is a special occasion for the entire country – a celebration of the American spirit and a renewal of our commitment to the continuing pursuit of ‘a more perfect’ union. The second Inauguration of President Obama is especially so – it marks only the 16th time in American history that one of our Presidents has been inaugurated for a second time. But this Inauguration also coincides with other important events in our history – the national holiday honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and, just weeks ago, the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“It is fitting that President Obama will swear his oath of office on two Bibles, one that belonged to Dr. King, the other to President Lincoln, two great and martyred champions of liberty and justice for all. It is equally fitting that the celebration of this Inauguration include a National Day of Service because the Scriptures that inspired both Dr. King and President Lincoln are filled with exhortations for all of us to love our neighbors as ourselves. That is something we in West Virginia know a lot about because the people of our great state are like a big family. Caring for each other is part of our heritage, and service to our communities, our state and our country is not just for special days but for every day. It is a part of our faith and part of our American Dream – it is what makes us ‘we the people.’”
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