Omaha, Neb. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) today released a statement for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which will be celebrated on Monday, January 17, 2022:

“A true American hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed tremendous courage to help our country grow and ensure all Americans are treated equally and given the same opportunities to enjoy our God-given freedoms. He faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles amid the struggle to improve the lives of generations of Americans to come. Dr. King said, ‘I say to you today, my friends, that despite the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.’

 “Today, these words still have profound meaning. We must strive to live out the dream that he envisioned for America—to live in a country where a child in any neighborhood can pursue every opportunity. We want a society where we are not judged by the content of our skin, but by the content of our character. We want a society where anyone can achieve their dreams and improve the condition of their lives. 

 “To do this, we need to stop the hyper-partisanship and start working with those on the opposite side of the aisle to find areas of consensus. We need to listen to each other more, agree to disagree, and respect each other. 

 “Preserving our Constitutional rights; protecting our most vulnerable populations; creating more jobs; and encouraging economic growth by supporting our small business owners are not partisan issues. These are issues that impact all Americans, no matter their race, gender, or political party. 

 “Many of our service members sacrificed their lives in defense of our freedoms and security. Dr. King sacrificed his life helping America live up to its vision that "all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

 “Like Dr. King, we must strive for this dream despite the difficulties and frustrations at the moment. We should still have that dream and continue fighting for it.

 “All Americans can support this vision by participating in the MLK Day of Service. Volunteer at a food bank or homeless shelter. Donate to a charity. Tutor or mentor our youth. Whatever the activity may be, it is my hope that we work hard to live out MLK Jr.’s dream.”

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