Thousands mark MLK dedication in DC

WASHINGTON — Thousands of people gathered Sunday to give the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial a proper dedication on the National Mall after its opening in August. 

Aretha Franklin, poet Nikki Giovanni and President Barack Obama were among those honoring the legacy of the nation's foremost civil rights leader during a ceremony scheduled to run more than four hours.

The crowd, some of whom came out as early as 5 a.m., included people of all ages and races. Some women wore large Sunday hats for the occasion. The president arrived late morning with his wife and two daughters, which drew loud cheers from those watching his entrance on large screens. He spoke from a podium set up with part of the memorial as a backdrop.   More Read