Washington D.C. paused to give tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on the weekend of January 18- 20, 2014. Visitors to the Martin Luther King Memorial could watch a special wreath-laying ceremony at 8 AM on January 20, 2014, but visitors throughout the weekend attended special programs on the man, his commitment to service, and his assignation led by National Park Rangers. Featuring the Stone of Hope, the memorial serves as a reminder that all people should be seeking a brighter tomorrow.
The King Memorial was not the only place that events occurred at the mall in Washington D.C. Students from Watkins Elementary School gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for their own wreath laying ceremony and read the King’s famous I Have a Dream Speech. It was from this site that King delivered his speech.
Those in Washington D.C. could also attend a free concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Those attending this concert could hear Let Freedom Ring Choir and Dionne Warwick.
Meanwhile, at the numerous cities throughout the nation, Martin Luther King Junior parades were held. Some of the largest of these parades were found in Washington D.C., New York City and Oklahoma City. Some of these parades, such as the one attended by an estimated 3,000 people, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also paid tribute to Nelson Mandela.
Most importantly, people throughout the nation gathered to work together to complete community service projects. Many took time while working to reflect on some of the great quotations that King said during his lifetime such as:
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.[/quote]
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.[/quote]
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'[/quote]