Given its enormous place in American and world history, it is an oratorical masterpiece, and aside from its social impact and spiritual lineage – Christ, Thoreau, Gandhi, King, Mandela, Aung San Su Kyi – it is one of the most remarkable speeches ever delivered.

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds.” -- Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1865.

In 1983, about 20 years after King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, legislation for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day cleared Congress, and President Ronald Reagan signed it.

Visitors participated in a number of activities, such as a scavenger hunt, and a special viewing of Dr. King's famous "I have a dream" speech.

Explore the history and significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader's legacy of equality and justice.

Visitors participated in a number of activities, such as a scavenger hunt, and a special viewing of Dr. King's famous "I have a dream" speech.

Photos by Steve Lewis. Mr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is considered one of the great orations in American

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds.” -- Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1865.

I Have a Dream” — on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as part of the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. But his D.C. performance wasn’t the speech’s premiere.

The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, Jan. 20 gives the new president a well-timed opportunity.

SummarySpecial Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at Lincoln Library to feature recital by local talent, music, and blood drive The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has announced a special celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

Dear Readers: Wishing you all a very happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day!