As we remember the brave and visionary life of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., we can think of his civil rights and workers' rights legacies. Much of our progress in civil rights has only been possible because of the contributions of Dr. King. Yet, we have a great many things left to do in order to fully realize his vision. His civil rights legacy is invaluable, and unfinished. In addition, Dr. King was a vocal leader in support of organized workers. He was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was showing his support of striking sanitation workers. Today, we must continue to fight for the rights and dignity of all Americans. We all have a role to play in this work. This is a day to remember Dr. King and what he meant to America. Tomorrow is a day to continue working towards his goals.

Sen. Bernie Sanders said, "We honor Martin Luther King, Jr. today because he was one of the great intellectual and moral leaders of the 20th century. Today, as our country faces enormous problems with the increase in poverty and the decline of the middle class; with environmental issues that threaten the long-term well being of our planet, we would be well served to learn from the legacy of his extraordinary life.  Let us never forget that Dr. King was not only a leader in the anti-segregation efforts of the 1950s and 1960s, but that he was also a leader in the anti-war movement and the fight for economic and social justice for all people. He understood that when people stand together for a brighter future, there is no force on earth which can stop them."