Gov. McDonnell remembers Martin Luther King, Jr.

On this day that the nation pauses to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell offered his thoughts on King's legacy:

“Today we pause to remember a great leader, statesman, visionary and activist who helped inspire a nation to believe in a shared dream of equality, understanding and inclusion that was spawned by our Founding Fathers, grew though the travails of generations of Americans, and resulted in the greatest nation in the world.

"From the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, to his leading role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and his unforgettable oration during the 1963 March on Washington, Dr. King was an inspirational leader who was able to spread his dream of peace and understanding to a nation in need to self-reflection and reform.

"His non-violent message of universal equality and justice advanced the cause of freedom in our country and influenced generations to come. Through his transcendent words and selfless actions—and the ultimate sacrifice of his life in the cause of the American dream—Dr. King enabled our nation to reflect and ultimately grow into the melting pot of opportunity that Virginians and Americans enjoy today.

"I encourage us all to pause today and remember the sacrifices of this great leader. His words are stitched in the fabric of our American tapestry and his actions will forever influence Americans and human kind.”