Inauguration and MLK Day: One historic day
BY World's Editorials Writers
Monday, January 21, 2013
1/21/13 at 7:30 AM
The official date for the inauguration of the president of the United States is Jan. 20. That date falls on a Sunday this year, pushing the inaugural ceremony to Monday, Jan. 21. That also happens to be Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The only other time the inauguration has fallen on MLK day was in 1997 at the beginning of President Bill Clinton's second term in office. Clinton was once labeled our "first black president."
These are two important days rolled into one. Both will be duly commemorated. President Obama will take the oath of office with his hand upon two Bibles, one owned by Abraham Lincoln and the other by King. Further, Obama will be facing the Lincoln Memorial, the spot where King delivered his famous and moving "I Have a Dream" speech 50 years ago this August.
Across the country, MLK Day, a federal holiday, will be celebrated with speeches and parades. In Washington, D.C., the inauguration will be celebrated with speeches and parades.
Whether you voted for Obama or not, whether you agree with his politics or not, the history of this day can't be argued or ignored.
When King delivered that eloquent speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial he spoke not only of his dream, but of the American dream. The right for all citizens to be given the opportunity to succeed. That all Americans be treated equally.
The country still has a long way to go. But to see President Barack Obama, America's true first black president, stand and take his oath for the second time, ought to give us all a sense of pride for how far this country has come.
Original Print Headline: History
