First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller


On this the day that our Nation stops to ponder and recognize the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I believe that it is important to acknowledge that there are citizens around us who are not yet free- who cannot pursue happiness in the same way as others. We need to commit ourselves to upholding the civil rights of ALL people in this great land. May His dream live on and may we never cease to work to ensure the freedom of all human beings.