Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

America Honors Slain Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King, Jr.
----------------------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=109B97B:3919ACA President visits
National Archives to view the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, which
declared end to slavery in US





President Bush, foreground, views the the Emancipation Proclamation at
the National Archives building Monday Americans honor the life and
legacy of the slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.
President Bush is marking the annual King holiday with a speech in
Washington.

The president began his day with a short trip to the U.S. National
Archives to view the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, which declared an
end to slavery in the United States.

He said it was a fitting way to start his observance of Martin Luther
King Day.

"Today we celebrate the life of an American who called Americans to
account when we didn't live to our ideals," said the president.

Mr. Bush will speak at length at a King ceremony at Washington's
Kennedy Center. Similar programs are being held around the country
highlighting community service and Reverend King's non-violent
campaign for equal rights.


.