To: Heads of State Agencies and Human Resource Directors

Subject: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Issue Date: January 11, 1996

There is quoted below for your information and guidance a proclamation issued on January 11, 1996 by the Honorable Murphy J. Foster, Jr., Governor of Louisiana.

STATE OF LOUISIANA
MURPHY J. FOSTER, JR.
GOVERNOR
P R O C L A M A T I O N

WHEREAS: Many great Americans have dedicated their lives to fostering the principles of freedom and equality; and

WHEREAS: We should recognize such endeavors to provide equality and prosperity to every citizen regardless of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, or circumstances of birth; and

WHEREAS: A great American who advocated such principles and who endeavored to provide equal opportunity for all Americans was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS: Dr. King proclaimed that human beings should be judged not by color of their skin but by the content of their character; and

WHEREAS: Dr. King taught that all human beings share the divine gift of life from God; and

WHEREAS: Dr. King consistently advocated the accomplishment of social change by means of peaceful communication of ideas and principles among all members of our society; and

WHEREAS: The United States Congress has provided for the observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS: Title 1, Section 55 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes authorizes the observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS: In recognition of Dr. King's contributions to our society and his commitment to equality and opportunity for all;

NOW THEREFORE I, MURPHY J. FOSTER, JR., Governor of the State of Louisiana,
hereby proclaim Monday, January 15, 1996, 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 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 11th day of January, 1996.

s/________Murphy J. Foster____________
Governor of Louisiana

ATTEST BY
THE GOVERNOR

s/_____Fox McKeithen_______
Secretary of State

Sincerely,

Herbert L. Sumrall
Director