Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Martin Luther King Jr. day of service

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement on the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service:

�On this important holiday, when we remember one of our country�s most effective leaders � and one who recognized the power of community service � I encourage all Washingtonians to use this occasion to give back to their communities. Dr. King embodied the principle that if you volunteer your time and energy to break barriers and help those in need, we all benefit. And he was right.

�On this National Day of Service, I was honored to spend my time at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., helping to put together 75,000 care packages for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was grateful to help those who put their lives on the line to serve us.

�While the emphasis of today�s holiday is public service, would it not be even more meaningful if we could maintain this spirit of giving throughout the year? During these tough economic times, it will take all of us working together � today, tomorrow and into the future � to ensure we all come through stronger than ever before.�