Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Buona sera. Benvenuti tutti ((Amy, I have no illusions about my Italian, let's check with a native speaker)). I—and on behalf of Ambassador Spogli, the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, who unfortunately could not be with us tonight—want to thank you for being here to honor a great American, and one of the finest civil rights leaders the world has ever known, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I begin my remarks by pointing out that I am joined on the stage tonight by two other great Americans; Beverly Lewis and Harold Bradley. Outspoken voices for social justice in the United States, and their adopted home of Italy for many years. Tonight—with word, song and music—they will bring to life key moments of the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. I thank them for their dedication to keeping the memory and legacy of Dr. King alive. Additionally, I want to commend Mauro Vestri, the Executive Producer of tonight’s show, for seeing the timeless relevance of Martin Luther King’s example of non-violent resistance for his Italian compatriots-- and the world at large.

Today, Americans celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal holiday. And on this special occasion, we come together in Rome to honor a man who dedicated his life to the fundamental principles of freedom, opportunity and equal justice for all. A man whose leadership moved America to live up to its ideals laid out in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. A man who dreamed of a country where all citizens would be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin; and a country where the doors of opportunity would be open to all of God’s children.

In remembering Dr. King’s vision and life of service here tonight—I want to underline America’s commitment to guaranteeing the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all…not only for Americans. Today, Dr. King’s faith and courage continue to inspire America, but also the world. Countless citizens around the globe, subjected to strife and the tyranny of darkness, still find the light of freedom in Martin Luther King’s example and legacy.

America’s journey to justice and equality has not been an easy one, and it is not over yet. But the United States-- in close collaboration with the Holy See, Italy and all like-minded countries--will continue to be a staunch defender of human dignity and justice for all, encouraged to strive forward by what Dr. King left behind.

In closing, I note that 2006 also marks the 50 th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling ending bus segregation. A battle first picked up by another late and great American, freedom fighter and inspiration –Rosa Parks. May we tonight, also pay tribute to her.

I would now like to turn the floor over to Jim Towey, Assistant to President George Bush and Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives who will share a few words. The Honorable Jim Towey.