Remembering Martin Luther King

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THOUSANDS of Americans have marched to mourn the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King 40 years ago, but embraced a recommitment to his dream of equality.

"We are here because destiny has drawn us here," his youngest daughter, Reverend Bernice King said as she addressed a huge crowd at the spot where he was shot to death at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

The date marked a new chapter in the fight against poverty, militarism and racism, she said.

Thousands honoured Dr King's achievements but noted the need for more progress on equal rights.

"I feel Dr King paid the price and he did a lot to help us all -- black and white," said Sandra Gause of Atoka, Tennessee, who made the trip to Memphis with her husband.

"But there's still a lot of work to do."