WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was hailed by President Bush Monday as a U.S. hero, who confronted injustice out of love of country and God.
"He was disappointed in the unfair practices of his country," Bush said. "Yet he said, 'There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.' Dr. King loved America enough to confront its injustices, not compromising the truth and not fearing any man -- and America loves him in return."
Bush's remarks, on Martin Luther King Day, were made at the Kennedy Center in Washington as Secretary of State Colin Powell and Alma Powell were presented an award for representing King's ideals and commitment to community service.
The award was part of Georgetown University's annual "Let Freedom Ring" celebration to honor the memory of the civil rights leader assassinated in 1968.
"By observing and honoring Dr. King's birthday, we teach the next generation lessons that must never be forgotten ... and how much work remains to be done," Bush said. "And we need the children of America to know that a single life of conscience and purpose can touch and lift up many lives."
