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US marks Martin Luther King day
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-01-18 02:16

If he were alive now, Martin Luther King would be reacting to the sobering news emanating from overseas with a message of peace and compassion, his son said Monday.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appears in deep thought at a press conference in Atlanta, Ga. in this April 25, 1967 file photo. [AP]

A commemorative service marked the King holiday at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was preacher from 1960 until his assassination in 1968 at age 39. Thousands of people were expected to take part in an afternoon rally and march through downtown Atlanta.

Martin Luther King III asked the congregation to remember his father's legacy of peace as America wages war in Iraq, and to remember his message of compassion in light of the tsunami disaster.

"Let us respond to this challenge by reaching out to help our sisters and brothers who are suffering because of the tsunami," he said.

At a King day breakfast on Boston, Sen. John Kerry made some of his strongest comments since Election Day about problems with voting in some states.

While reiterating that he did not contest the presidential election, Kerry said: "I nevertheless make it clear that thousands of people were suppressed in the effort to vote. Voting machines were distributed in uneven ways. In Democratic districts, it took people four, five, 11 hours to vote, while Republicans (went) through in 10 minutes — same voting machines, same process, our America."

"Martin Luther King reminded us that yes, we have to accept finite disappointment, and I know how to do that," Kerry said to chuckles from listeners. "But he said we must ... never give up on infinite hope."

Elsewhere, a march down San Antonio's Martin Luther King Drive attracted a crowd of thousands, and in Philadelphia, 45,000 volunteers showed up for a 10th annual day of service. The roughly 600 community projects included renovating schools and churches and making packages for troops overseas.

In Atlanta, Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss told the crowd at Ebenezer Baptist that the country is better off because of King's work.

"The dream of Dr. King will not be fulfilled until everyone who is uneducated is educated, everyone who is homeless has a roof over their head, and all who hunger become fed," Chambliss said.

Rep. John Lewis, a Democrat, said King would have opposed the war in Iraq.

"I believe he would be saying today, 'End the war, end the war in Iraq," Lewis said. "Bring our young men and our young women home.'"

King, born in Atlanta Jan. 15, 1929, would have turned 76 on Saturday.

In Washington, US President Bush planned to attend an event honoring King at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a visionary American and a dedicated leader who believed deeply in liberty and dignity for every person," Bush said in a holiday proclamation. "His faith and courage continue to inspire America and the world."

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