Martin Luther King Memorial Dedication Sunday

Posted October 16th, 2011 at 2:00 am (UTC-5)
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Thousands are expected in Washington Sunday for the dedication of a national memorial to slain civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to deliver an address before a host of civil right luminaries and members of the King family, honoring the man who gave his life in the pursuit of equal rights for blacks in America.

On Saturday, thousands took part in a peaceful rally in Washington for jobs and economic justice, while paying homage to Dr. King's legacy.

The dedication of the $120 million dollar statue and memorial park was initially set for August 28, to coincide with the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech.

But the threat of Tropical Storm Irene prompted organizers to reschedule the dedication.

The 30-foot granite statue of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and minister has been engraved with some of his most famous quotes.

Martin Luther King Jr, was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Tennessee, following a speech at a church in the city of Memphis.