In their words: Lawmakers honor Martin Luther King Jr.

FILE - In this Sept. 16, 1963 file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gives a news conference in Birmingham, Ala., announcing he and other African-American leaders have called for federal Army occupation of Birmingham in the wake of the previous day's church bombing and shootings which left six black people dead. (AP Photo/File) FILE - In this Sept. 16, 1963 file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gives a news conference in Birmingham, Ala., announcing he and other African-American leaders have called for federal Army occupation of Birmingham in the wake of the previous day's church bombing and shootings which left six black people dead. (AP Photo/File)

By Staff Report April 4, 2018 2 min read

On the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., lawmakers are remembering the civil rights leader. Here’s what they’re saying:

“It is an important day in Tennessee and across our nation as we look back on Dr. King’s legacy and remember the great deal of courage he displayed in the pursuit of equality,” said Corker. “Without a doubt, his vision not only strengthened America but also encouraged activism and sparked change. Dr. King is a constant reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together, and I am hopeful that people young and old will continue to look to his service for inspiration on how to leave our country better than we found it.”
– Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.

“Today we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. It is crucial that our children grow up remembering this pivotal time in American history. In March, the Lorraine Motel became the second site included in the National Park Service’s new U.S. Civil Rights Network.”
– Sen. Lamar Alexander

“Fifty years ago today, the life of a great Georgian and historic civil rights leader was cut short far too soon. Thankfully, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., endures. On this anniversary and on every day, we remember the equality and justice that Dr. King fought for on behalf of all mankind.”
– U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.