To: Heads of State Agencies and Human Resource Directors

Subject: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Issue Date: January 5, 1995

There is quoted below for your information and guidance a proclamation issued on January 4, 1995 by the Honorable Edwin W. Edwards, Governor of Louisiana.

STATE OF LOUISIANA
EDWIN W. EDWARDS
GOVERNOR

P R O C L A M A T I O N

WHEREAS: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to the principles of nonviolent social protest and racial equality; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the preeminent statesman for the Civil Rights movement during its era of greatest achievement; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been recognized for his leadership by the President of the United States, the United States Senate, The United States Congress, the State of Louisiana, and was the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate; and

WHEREAS: January 16, 1994 is an appropriate time for the people of Louisiana to celebrate and reflect upon the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS: House Resolution 5890 of the Ninety-Eighth Congress of the United States of America provided for the observance of this day, since we, as Americans, should recognize this as a day for coming together, sharing and caring for one another in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS: Title 1, Section 55 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes provides that the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. may be observed when proclaimed by the Governor and shall be a legal holiday of this state every other year;

NOW THEREFORE I, EDWIN W. EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, hereby proclaim Monday, Janaury 16, 1995, as a state holiday and day of public rest, and do authorize the observance of

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

throughout the State of Louisiana. I do hereby direct that the heads of institutions, offices and departments of the State shall permit all employees to observe this holiday, except that provision shall be made for the efficient administration of all facilities, the operation of which cannot be dispensed with, in the discretion of the head of the institution, office or department where such conditions prevail.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 4th day of January, 1995.

s/__________Edwin_Edwards_____________
Governor of Louisiana

ATTEST BY
THE GOVERNOR

s/_____Fox_McKeithen_____
Secretary of State

Sincerely,

Herbert L. Sumrall
Director