Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Anniversary of the March on Washington when over 250,000 Americans convened near the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, brought together by a common cause--achieving equality for all Americans.
On that hot summer day in 1963, Americans arrived in Washington, D.C. to express a dire need for action against the dismal conditions of life for so many of our Nation's African-American citizens. Choosing to respond non-violently to injustices committed against them, the marchers rose above hate, calling for peace and justice with a clear voice that demanded change.
I rise today in support of H. Res. 352, honoring the March on Washington as one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in United States history. It is important that we recognize the monumental importance of this event and its significance in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equal rights for all Americans. We should also commemorate the courageous and inspiring men and woman who organized and participated in the March and dedicated themselves to the pursuit of equality and justice.
We are a great nation of diverse backgrounds, drawn together by shared values and a common dedication to the cause of freedom, both at home and abroad. We, as a people, cherish our freedom and should honor those who have helped secure for us, and for those who will follow us, the freedom to pursue opportunity, the freedom to challenge inequality, and the freedom to actively and peacefully participate in the political process.
Let the actions and poignant words of Dr. King serve as an example to us as well as the generations to come, that it is possible to dream and, through persistence and dedication, to realize those dreams. But let us not only commemorate these words, but continue to work to make Dr. King's dream a reality.
As we commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the March on Washington, let us remember the struggles of those who came before us, and in so doing, help fully realize their dream so that one day our children will truly ``live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.''