America needs more than a great president to realize my father's dream.

In my home is a reminder of August 28, 2008, the night the Democratic Party nominated Barack Obama to become the 44th President of the United States -- a dozen flags waved enthusiastically as a symbol that America continues to progress in its respect for all our citizens.

The evening was the culmination of historical moment that had begun forty-five years earlier and the message was declared by two children of the Rev. Martin Luther King.

Rev. Bernice King opened by letting us know that this is not just a story of the South or inner-cities, but of all America:

"Tonight, freedom rings! From the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado, freedom rings!

Forty-five years ago today, my father delivered his "I have a dream" speech. Tonight, we witness in part what has become of his dream, the acceptance of a Democratic presidential nominee, decided not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character."

 Then, Martin Luther King III included us all among his brothers and sisters and gave us a continued mission when he announced that:

"We're all children of the dream.

But my father would be quick to remind us that realizing his dream is not Barack Obama's job alone. America needs more than a great president to realize my father's dream. What America needs is a great America.

Let me paraphrase my father: The ultimate measure of a nation is not where it stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where it stands in times of challenge and controversy.

On some questions, cowardice asks, is a position safe? Expediency asks, is a position politic? Vanity asks, is a position popular? But, that something deep inside us called conscience asks, is a position right?

Sometimes we must take positions that are neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; we must take them because they are right!

If we are to be a great democracy, we must all take an active role in our democracy. We must do democracy. That goes far beyond simply casting your vote. We must all actively champion the causes that ensure the common good.

In five short years, when we reflect upon the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, let us look back and celebrate our audacity to redress poverty, commemorate the hope and faith that led us to take charge of our lives and communities, and venerate our dream of life, liberty and happiness, through our renewed commitment to prevent unjust wars from ever being waged.

Then let us look forward to the next 50 years as we stand together, because our potential as a people is limitless. Work together, because our ability to do good in the world is boundless. And live together, because of our values of fairness, full justice, opportunity and the majesty of the dream."

These words are what I'm thinking of on today's celebration of MLK Jr Day.