ON THE occasion of the 47th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Nation is once again reminded of his eloquent commitment to the cause of civil rights and of his forceful leadership in that cause.
As we observe this anniversary, our thoughts are with his family. We also pledge our renewed dedication to the struggle for equality and well-being for all our citizens, to which Dr. King so courageously devoted his life.
Note: The White House announced that a copy of the statement was sent to Coretta Scott King in connection with events honoring her late husband on January 14-15 in Atlanta, Ga.
On Thursday, January 15, the President telephoned Mrs. King in Atlanta to extend his and Mrs. Ford's best wishes to the King family.
Gerald R. Ford, Statement on the Anniversary of the Birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/257345