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U.S. Rep. Tony CardenasSAN FERNANDO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) today released a statement regarding the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, conducted in 1963 and highlighted by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Dream” speech.

“Fifty years ago, Americans of different backgrounds, of different races, with the same hopes and dreams for our great nation, stood on the Mall in Washington. They heard from organizers who shared those dreams. One, in particular, stirred the audience and etched himself into the history books with the description of his Dream. On this historic day, we remember the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the men and women who fought long and hard for their right to live as equal, employed citizens in this country.

“The March on Washington took place the same year I was born. Today, as a Congressman, it is not lost on me that without the non-violent struggle for equality, which took place when I was just a baby, I could not have been elected to this office.

“Because of all that this anniversary means, as we remember, we must also look forward. I am committed to living the words of Dr. King, Congressman John Lewis and all the other speakers, and to continuing the fight for both jobs and freedom for all Americans, now more than ever.”