In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Millions of Americans in Washington and across the country gathered Monday to honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with memorial services, parades and volunteering.

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Jan. 16, 2012

As the sun rises over the Tidal Basin, people arrive at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington.

Evan Vucci / Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

The Rev. Al Sharpton, center, says a prayer alongside activist Dick Gregory, left, and Washington Mayor Vincent C. Gray during a ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial to commemorate the civil rights leader.

Evan Vucci / Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

The ceremony attracted hundreds of people to the memorial.

Katherine Frey / THE WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

Seventh-grader Marquel Shepard came with his brother's "Distinguished Gentlemen's Club" to the visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. He worked on a crossword puzzle based on the words inscribed at the monument.

Katherine Frey / THE WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

From left, Liza Joy Marcato of Hillsdale, N.Y., Beverly Steed of Washington and Marcus Knausenberger of Devin, Pa., sing at the base of the memorial.

Evan Vucci / Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

Nancy Pearl holds images of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Obama while joining the crowd in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Norfolk. In the background is that city’s MLK memorial.

Steve Earley / The Virginian-Pilot via Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

Travis Mitchell, 21, asks Pamela Miller, 18, to dance at the day of service event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington.

Katherine Frey / THE WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

Karen Watson searches for jackets and other clothing in a mound of donations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

Katherine Frey / THE WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

Cozie Reaves, second from right, and Latecia Engram joined dozens of others to help serve food at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

Katherine Frey / THE WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

Plates of steaming food are served at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

Katherine Frey / THE WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

The Fraternidad Tinkus San Simon dance troupe performs a traditional dance while marching in the 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade along Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Washington.

Ricky Carioti / WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

Members of the Ballou Marching Knights march in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade.

Ricky Carioti / WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

Parade-goers cheer as the 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade passes by.

Ricky Carioti / WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

Former D.C. mayor and current council member Marion Barry waves to the crowds during the 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

Ricky Carioti / WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

The RockerFellaz Drumline peforms during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade.

Ricky Carioti / WASHINGTON POST

Jan. 16, 2012

A woman dances as a marching band passes by during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Southwest Washington.

Brendan Smialowski / GETTY IMAGES

Jan. 16, 2012

President Obama and daughter Malia participate in a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Browne Education Campus in Northeast Washington.

Haraz N. Ghanbari / Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

President Obama installs shelves in a library at the Browne Education Campus in Northeast Washington with other volunteers during a day of service to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS

Jan. 16, 2012

Vice President Biden talks to Danielle Berman, back to the camera, during a Martin Luther King Jr. day of service event at Girard College in Philadelphia. Danielle’s mother, Beth Berman, left, and siblings Ana, and Sam listen in.

Joseph Kaczmarek / Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

Robert Dawkins, left, regional organizer for Democracy N.C., and Jamar McKoy talk at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast at the Spindle City Cafe in Gastonia, N.C.

Mike Hensdill / Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

Volunteers Alice Daeschler, 12, left, Lily Zukin, 12, center, and Karolye Eldridge, right, make flower arrangements for Meals on Wheels recipients during a Martin Luther King Jr. day of service event at Girard College in Philadelphia.

Joseph Kaczmarek / Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

Douglas E. Massenburg, lead park ranger at the African Burial Ground National Monument, walks with Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely as she leads "Occupy the Dream" demonstrators on a march to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Michael Nagle / GETTY IMAGES

Jan. 16, 2012

"Occupy the Dream" demonstrators rally outside the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Michael Nagle / GETTY IMAGES

Jan. 16, 2012

Marchers walk down Church Street to the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Norfolk.

Steve Earley / The Virginian-Pilot via Associated Press

Jan. 16, 2012

Marchers head east on South Church Street in downtown Burlington, N.C., during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day march. About 50 people participated.

Sam Roberts / Burlington Times-News via Associated Press

Jan. 15, 2012

Occupy Wall Street demonstrators arrive at Riverside Church in New York City for a service to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

STAN HONDA / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

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