GOV. RITTER MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY STATEMENT

 

Gov. Ritter issued the following statement today in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

 

"Today, as the nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we stand on the eve of history. Barack Obama will be inaugurated tomorrow as the United States' first African-American president, and in Colorado our state legislature has made history by becoming the first in the nation with an African-American Senate president and an African-American House speaker.

 

"King would be proud to see how far we have come toward achieving his dream of judging people by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

 

"While we have come a great distance, we still have far to go, especially in today's difficult economy. As we look to a new president to help lead us through this financial crisis, we must pursue King's ideals with a renewed commitment so that we emerge from the downturn as a stronger nation and as a better Colorado."

 

MEDIA REMINDER: Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will deliver remarks at 10 a.m. today to help kick off the annual "Marade" before joining thousands of marchers who will walk from Denver's City Park to Civic Center.