Dozens marched through Wadesboro Monday to commemorate the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

After a breakfast at First United Methodist Church in Wadesboro, citizens marched to Ebenezer Baptist Church on U.S.-74. The Anson High School Color Guard led the column.

The theme for the ceremony at Ebenezer was "Free But, Not Free."

As people streamed in to the sanctuary, King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech played over the speakers.

In addition to singing hymns and watching performers, citizens listened to several speakers, including County Commissioner Chairwoman Anna Baucom, Representative Pryor Gibson and state NAACP President the Rev. William Barber II.

Several of the speakers spoke about how the inaugaration of President-elect Barack Obama Tuesday would be an important step toward the fulfillment of King's dream of equality for all people.

Baucom said Obama wants people to participate in their government. She urged citizens to volunteer in Anson.

"Let's get a jump on it," she said.

Gibson said in the last decade he had attended over 500 celebrations of the King holiday.

"This year is special," he said. "We've come home."

Kishia Dunlap, the secretary for the Anson County NAACP spoke about the unique role King filled.

"His words and vision filled a great void in our country," she said.

But words were not enough.

"We commemorate today a man of action," she said.

Bishop Walter Ellerbe told about a trip he took to Memphis, Tenn. to see the Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated, saying "our forefathers" prayed to see this day [the inauguration of Obama.]

He drew the link between the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was present that day at the motel in 1968, and Obama. Jackson was seen on television crying at Obama's victory rally Nov. 4, 2008.

Barber was the main speaker. He based his speech around verses Luke 3:21-22 from the Bible.

The ISV translation reads, "When all the people had been baptized, Jesus, too, was baptized. While he was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him, appearing in the form of a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you!"

Barber said there were several interpretations of this passage, but focused on one in particular, that Jesus accepted his role on earth there.

"Sometimes, we just have to say yes," Barber said.

Barber drew a connection between Jesus and King, saying both had "said yes" to a challenge before them.

He also said Obama was accepting a burden by becoming President in a time when the nation was facing huge challenges.

Barber challenged citizens in attendance to accept a similar challenge by working to improve their communities and the world.

"Sometimes, you're just it," he said.