Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little told the big crowd assembled in the Capitol rotunda, “Welcome to your Capitol.” He said, “This morning, as our Senate chaplain opened up our session upstairs, he quoted from Roosevelt’s poem about being in the arena. And congratulations to all of you for being in the arena. And there was one person who was definitely in the arena, and that was Dr. King.”

Little then read a proclamation from Gov. Butch Otter:

“Whereas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired millions of Americans to participate in non-violent demonstrations, to support the ideals of equality for all, and was a motivating force behind the civil rights movement that had as its goal the creation of a soc inclusive of all races, cultures and nationalities. And whereas the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday is intended as a time for all Americans to reaffirm their commitment to the basic principles that underlie our Constitution - equal treatment and justice for all. And whereas Idaho enjoys a richness and diversity in its population, embracing many ethnic and racial groups as a part of both its state history and its future;

And whereas both state and national observances of this day will focus on the importance of an individual volunteerism and a commitment to community service as a way of breaking down social and economic barriers and bringing people together to focus on their common concerns and interests. And whereas the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Idaho’s commitment to human rights, are worthy of reflection and serve as a reminder that improving the quality of life for all members of society is everyone’s responsibility. Now therefore I, C.L. Butch Otter, do hereby proclaim Jan. 18, 2016 to be Martin Luther King Jr./Idaho Human Rights Day.”

The matron of ceremonies for today’s event, Mamie Oliver, declared, “It’s official!”