In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, a ceremony was conducted on the North side of the Capitol building. The lawmakers in attendance were accompanied by members of the West Virginia Supreme Court and the Governor, as well as the members of West Virginia’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission to mark this National Day of Service.
The Appalachian Children’s Chorus greeted everyone with the National Anthem, and speakers presented their thoughts on honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Speaker of the House, Richard Thompson, said, “We should be honoring not just Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but also the leaders, activists, educators and legislators who strive to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps.”
He also called for everyone to “re-dedicate themselves to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s purpose.” He said that Dr. King wanted freedom to ring throughout the country which is why they honor him through the annual ringing of the bell.
President of the Senate, Earl Ray Tomblin, echoed the Speaker’s sentiments of Dr. King. He said Dr. King’s work has not ceased and it is seen in “the halls of our courthouses, statehouses, and in the halls of our nation’s capitol.”
Visiting school children participated in the bell ringing along with other dignitaries.
The Speaker and the President agreed they are proud to be a part of this annual tradition.
UPDATE: Check out both MLK Celebration speeches by the President and Speaker.
