PRESS RELEASE - May 12, 2006

For Immediate Release:
May 12, 2006

DELEGATE SAL IAQUINTO NAMED TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL COMMISSION
-- Commission Works to Promote King's Legacy --

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker, William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today announced the appointment of Delegate Sal Iaquinto (R-Virginia Beach) to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission.

Established as a permanent Commission in 1997, the commission's mission is to facilitate the continuation of Dr. King's work, the fulfillment of his dream, and perpetuation of his memory. To accomplish this mission, the commission is charged with many objectives, including the establishment of a mechanism in honor of Dr. King that promotes his philosophy and will help fulfill his goals.

The Commission has partnered with many of Virginia's universities, including Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, to create the King Living History and Public Policy Center. The goal of this Center is to collect and research King's records, oral histories, memorabilia, writings and teachings, making them accessible to the public for educational and cultural purposes.

"I am extremely honored that the Speaker has chosen me to be on this Commission," said Iaquinto, "I am looking forward to this opportunity to help foster an appreciation for the diversity of cultures in Virginia, as well as provide forums for public discourse on the issues for which Dr. King fought so hard. It is tremendously important that King's goals and ideals not be forgotten in the midst of current issues facing the Commonwealth."

Delegate Iaquinto is serving is first year in the General Assembly, representing Virginia's 84th District in Virginia Beach.