A JOINT RESOLUTION recognizing the 80th birthday of martin luther king, jr. and congratulating barack obama on becoming the 44th president of the united states of America.
Whereas, on January 19, 2009, the nation observed the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, which commemorates the legacy of Dr. King; and
Whereas, Dr. King was a prominent African‑American civil rights leader who fought for racial justice and equality for all Americans by leading nonviolent protests to bring about social change; and
Whereas, Dr. King would have celebrated his 80th birthday on January 15, 2009; and
Whereas, a day after the King Holiday, Barack Obama was sworn in as the country's 44th president and first African‑American president; and
Whereas, President Obama took the oath of office administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr. using the bible that President Abraham Lincoln used during his first inauguration; and
Whereas, an estimated 1.8 million people journeyed from all across the country and withstood cold temperatures on the National Mall to witness President Obama's swearing‑in; and
Whereas, millions of Americans and observers from around the world watched the event from their homes, offices, and public gatherings on televisions, computers, and other media; and
Whereas, throughout President Obama's run for the presidency, he served as a uniting force bringing together people of all races, creeds, and religions; and
Whereas, many people felt that President Obama's inauguration evoked the spirit of the 1963 March on Washington when Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech to a crowd of over a quarter of a million people; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his many contributions to the civil rights movement.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly congratulates President Barack Obama on becoming the 44th President of the United States of America.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to President Barack Obama.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.