Thousands of people across the country paid homage Monday to Martin Luther King Jr., marking the 31st anniversary of the federal holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader.
Events celebrating King's life were held across the country.
In Washington, D.C., a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at 9 a.m. At the end of the ceremony, the crowd gathered around the wreath and sang, "We Shall Overcome."
Actor Nick Cannon led the 11th annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade in Southeast Washington. The walk began at 10 a.m. at 2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE.
During the walk, there will be rolling street closures along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue before it ends at the RISE Center.
A parade will follow the walk at noon. The parade will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and continue to Anacostia Park, where the MLK Holiday Festival and Health Fair will be held.
Events, celebrations and tributes for King will also be held in other parts of the D.C. area.
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The All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) remembered King's legacy with a march at the Leesburg courthouse at 10 a.m. After the walk, a reception will be held at the Douglas Community Center.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is expecting a huge turnout along the Anacostia for its annual cleanup of the river. The event, which is free and open to the public, began at 9:30 a.m.
