king's example, are brought into stark focus. killed and injured, including congresswoman giffords and the many families devastated by this tragedy, let us also recommit ourselves to the work of this great department, and to our professional and personal efforts to carry forward dr. king's dream. for a quarter of a century now, americans have been coming together around dr. martin luther king jr. day to do just that, and to pay tribute to dr. king's life and enduring contributions. each year, this time provides an opportunity for each of us to rededicate ourselves to dr. king's dream of racial, social, and economic justice. it is also a reminder of the power and importance of service to others. dr. king's example, and his enduring legacy, offer proof that the contributions of a single person can help to improve, inspire, and transform an entire nation. with his powerful words and deeds, and with both fearlessness and grace, dr. king helped to blaze the trail that allows me to stand on this stage as our nation's first african-amer