Today is our national celebration of Martin
Luther King Day. Thousands will visit the new Martin Luther King Memorial in
Washington, DC, to pay tribute.
 |
| It is not enough to say, "We must not wage war." It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but on the positive affirmation of peace. |
The memorial opened to great fanfare in 2011, the 48th anniversary of the
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, but
also to controversy. Many felt that the statue did not resemble King. Many
objected to the “Drum Major” quote that, taken out of context, indicated a self
regard that those who knew Dr. King and his work believed was antithetical to his
memory. Repairs and revisions were made.
There is no question, however, that the wall of quotes surrounding the memorial is a hit with visitors. Few men are as quotable as King, and his words resonate with the best that is in us.
In honor of the day, here are a few quotes from the wall of the memorial.
There is no question, however, that the wall of quotes surrounding the memorial is a hit with visitors. Few men are as quotable as King, and his words resonate with the best that is in us.
In honor of the day, here are a few quotes from the wall of the memorial.
 |
| Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. |
 |
| I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. |
Also, click here for a link to the digital archives of the King Center, where you can view
thousands of pages of letters, speeches, and sermons. Most fascinating are the images of the
draft versions of the words that live on today.
The quotes are wonderful. They remind me of Bible verses. Thanks for the pictures. Like many residents around the D. C., I rarely go to the mall and tour like a visitor. Only when I have guests in town do I do that stuff. Thanks for providing pictures, Shari.
ReplyDeleteWe've come so far and yet we have hardly begun.
ReplyDelete~ Jim
Thanks for posting these quotes. They certainly resonate, and I suspect they will for eons to come.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, E. B. We have lived here long enough that I only go into DC when I take visitors around.
ReplyDeleteJim and Carla, so right. You would be heartened to see all the people at the MLK Memorial who walk slowly around the wall of quotes, really taking it in. And the kids taking photos of the quotations always surprises me - in a good way. One can only hope that in some small way, the message will stay with them.
Shari, thanks for bringing us these quotes and images along with your observations about visitors' reactions. So much to remember and think about today.
ReplyDeleteShari, I'm adding my thanks for a beautiful post. I'm glad we have a day to honor Martin Luther King. I hope to someday be able to visit his memorial.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to think of it as a day off. Thanks for the great reminder it is so much more!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us of what is important.
ReplyDeletePowerful words indeed.
ReplyDeleteMy only objection to having this as a holiday is that I think Martin Luther King would roll over in his grave thinking that schools were closed on his birthday (or the day we celebrate it.) He valued education. I have a feeling he would have preferred them to instead be open extended hours.
Thank you for sharing King's wise and beautiful words, Shari. May his message live on to inspire future generations.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone - thanks for posting. KM - I know what you mean. At least the King holiday has been spared the car sales that spring up on Presidents Day and Memorial Day. All I can do is wonder what Washington or Jefferson would think of that!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. The quotes are wonderful and still powerful to this day.
ReplyDelete