Today, Colorado celebrated the life and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Colorado Republicans were out en masse.  Most visibly, many Republicans joined Colorado’s annual Marade, which is the first and largest parade of its kind in the nation, according to its website.  Below are a few photos from the day.

Marade photos

In addition to participation in the Marade, elected officials also offered statements to honor MLK, Jr.

U.S. Senator Cory Gardner

“Today, Coloradans pause to remember and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Gardner said.  “As the new Congress begins to take up the hard work of governance, it is my hope that we will keep the example of Dr. King in mind, and work towards a government and a country that serves all its citizens equally.”

“There is no doubt we have a long way to go. With Dr. King and other inspiring heroes from the Civil Rights movement as our examples, it is the job of today’s leaders to translate their noble vision into reality.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (excerpt from his remarks)

“…The struggle that Marin Luther King described must continue until everyone in this great country of ours has the opportunity to achieve the American dream.

The struggle must continue until everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, is treated with dignity and respect.

The struggle must continue until every child has access to an education that will give them the hope for a brighter future….”

U.S. Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04)

“Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. day! I’m grateful for MLK’s historic accomplishments and for what we can still learn from him today.

Martin Luther King, Jr. remains a model for our times. He was first and foremost a Christian preacher. His Christian formation, and his understanding of the Founding, laid the groundwork for his lasting influence on society. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew as well as from Gandhi, he responded in a non-violent way to the great injustices of his time, and he called on other victims of injustice to do the same. He did not fight fire with fire, but as the Gospel teaches, he turned the other cheek without retreating. Rather than lowering himself to the frame of mind of his aggressors, he transcended them, and elevated the discussion to a higher level.

Think about injustices we face today in society – attacks on the dignity of human life and on religious liberty, for example. They merit the same kind of firm but peaceful reaction….”

Senate President Bill Cadman

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a peaceful revolution to realize the promise laid out to all Americans in our Declaration of Independence: that all men are created equal. On this very special day we recognize how his life, leadership, and contributions have left not only America, but the world a better place for people of every race and creed.”

Ryan Call, Chair, Colorado GOP

“Today, as the Colorado GOP, American Conservatives of Color and Colorado Hispanic Republicans march in the 2015 MLK Denver Parade, we honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., a champion for justice and freedom for every American.  Let us remember Dr. King’s struggle by continuing to work for freedom and liberty for every American.”