MLK, Jr. Memorial dedication

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, in Washington, D.C. The monument to the slain civil rights leader was supposed to be dedicated in late August 2011 but the ceremony had to be postponed due to Hurricane Irene. The dedication ceremony was held on Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

President Barack Obama listens to Harry Johnson, president and CEO of the MLK Jr National Memorial Project Fund, as he tours the grounds with his family prior to the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial on the National Mall October 16, 2011 in Washington, DC. The ceremony for the slain civil rights leader had been postponed from late August because of Hurricane Irene.

President Barack Obama and his family look up at the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial on the National Mall, October 16, 2011 in Washington, D.C. Mr. Obama was six years old when the civil rights leader was slain, in April 1968.

President Barack Obama speaks during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Mr. Obama saluted King as a man who "stirred our conscience" and made the Union "more perfect," and rejoiced in memorializing not only the slain pastor's leader's life and work but the thousands of others who persevered in the civil rights movement.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden with arms locked sing, "We Shall Overcome," at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Aretha Franklin sings during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Thousands gather at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication on Oct. 16, 2011 in a ceremony hosted by the Washington, D.C.-Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation in West Potomac Park.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

AP Photo/The News Journal, Suchat Pederson

The Joint Service Color Guard present the colors as Nova Nelson signs the National Anthem at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication on Oct. 16, 2011 in West Potomac Park.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

U.S. Park Police Sgt. Allan A.C. Griffith III salutes during the singing of the National Anthem before President Barack Obama speaks at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Tony Blackwell of Woodbridge, Va., holds up a sign as thousands gather at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication ceremony, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Christine King Farris, eldest sister of Martin Luther King, Jr., speaks to the crowd of thousands at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication ceremony in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Standing under an image of her father, Elder Bernice King speaks at the dedication of his memorial, in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Standing beneath an image of his father, Martin Luther King III speaks at the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial, in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Civil rights pioneer Rev. Joe Lowrey speaks during the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks with reporters at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Rev. Al Sharpton arrives at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Singer Stevie Wonder arrives at the dedication ceremony for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Singer Sheryl Crow takes her seat at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Janet Purnell, of Washington, D.C., holds up a sign as she attends the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication ceremony in Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Audience members await the arrival of President Barack Obama to speak at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Oct. 16, 2011.

Pictures: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial