Mitch Landrieu: “every year, Americans commemorate the birthday of America's greatest civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.…”

“every year, Americans commemorate the birthday of America's greatest civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Last year I was pleased to introduce legislation to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins to recognize Dr. King's contribution to the people of the United States. Revenues from the surcharge on the coin would go to the Library of Congress to purchase and maintain historical documents and other materials associated with the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. I had hoped that this bill could have been enacted last year on the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech, but we were unable to do so. Today, I would like to reintroduce the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Coin Act of 2004, to have the coin minted in 2009 in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Dr. King's birth. Dr. King's significant contributions and his message should live on for future generations. America should remember him as a national hero and a pioneer. In recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, it is important that we continue to learn from his actions and words.”