Statement By John McCain On The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"Today we commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a great American taken from us all too soon. Dr. King stirred the conscience of our nation to ensure that the self-evident truths of human freedom held true for all Americans. The power of his work and vision was not ended forty years ago in Memphis. Across the world, men and women are living Dr. King's dream as they strive to extend the blessings of human liberty and human rights to all. Today, we mark a tragic day in our nation's history while honoring the work of a man who was the voice for our nation's highest ideals."

Statement by John McCain On Martin Luther King Jr. Day

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement by John McCain on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

"Today, we join as Americans to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and to promote our common belief, the self-evident truth that we are all created equal.

It was more than just symbolism for Dr. King to stand in the shadow of Abraham Lincoln and invoke the words of our Declaration of Independence as he spoke of his dream.

He was calling on America to fulfill the magnificent promises of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution, promises first articulated by Jefferson, and forged in the fires of our Civil War.

There is no greater testament to the legacy of Dr. King than millions of freedom loving people, from the streets of Burma to polling stations in Iraq, who continue to pursue freedom and justice as he did. On this day of remembrance, we honor Dr. King best by honoring his vision for racial harmony and continuing the worldwide struggle for those values for which Dr. King fought so courageously."