Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
WHEREAS. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights movement and received several hundred awards for his leadership in this movement; and
WHEREAS, On December 5, 1955, after civil rights activist Rosa Parks refused to comply with Montgomery’s segregation policy on buses, African-American residents launched a bus boycott and elected Martin Luther King, Jr. as president of the newly-formed Montgomery Improvement Association; and
WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. was an inspirational leader with the Montgomery, Alabama Civil Rights Movement, which was one of the first great battles won in the South; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King was a vigilant advocate of non-violence and direct action as methods of social change. He conducted workshops in non-violent techniques. In 1963, Dr. King led the Birmingham, Alabama movement where local police officials were known for their violent opposition to integration, which led to the arrests of more than 3,300 African Americans, including Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed when President Johnson responded to the Birmingham protests and submitted broad civil rights legislation to Congress. In December of 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Civil Rights Movement;
NOW. THEREFORE. I, John McArdle, Mayor of the City of Independence, do HEREBY PROCLAIM Monday, January 15, 2024 as
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING . .JR. DAY
and encourage all residents of Independence to observe this day as a day to remember, celebrate, act and to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for devoting his life to the Civil Rights Movement and to share in his dream of freedom for all.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Whereas, the members of the law enforcement agency of the City of Independence play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the people of Independence; and
Whereas, it is important that all residents know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency; and
Whereas, it is important that the members of our law enforcement agency are recognized for their dedication to duty and the service they provide to the people of Independence by safeguarding life and property, by protecting the community against violence and disorder and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression; and
Whereas, the men and women of the law enforcement agency of the City of Independence unceasingly provide a vital public service;
Now, therefore, I, John McArdle, Mayor of Independence, call upon all residents of Independence and upon all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to observe January 9, 2024 National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which all of our people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to our community and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all those within our community ..
I further call upon all to honor those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty, and let us recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Independence to be affixed.
Dated this 9th day of January, 2024.