Music, patriotism and dreams permeated a Lied Center celebration Monday that invoked the example and ideals of Martin Luther King Jr.
The local observance of the national Martin Luther King Day holiday attracted an estimated 800 people to a service to which the Ecumenical Fellowship Inc. played host. The event featured a keynote address by Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway and remarks from several other Lawrence leaders praising the accomplishments of the slain civil rights leader.
"Martin Luther King died because he was a true American patriot," Hemenway said. "He was killed by a terrorist's bullet because he wanted America to live up to its grand design.
"Martin Luther King, in my opinion, has done more than any other American to test the best intentions of American dem-ocracy. He tested America to live by its principles, not its past. He points us toward a better future. We need the lesson of his love for his country."
State Rep. Barbara Ballard led the crowd in song, then told them to do more than simply remember King's dreams.
"We all know about King's dream, but do we all have our own dreams?" Ballard asked. "He didn't do it by himself. He had lots of people willing to say they have a dream, too. I would not be standing before you if Dr. King did not have a dream and all his followers had a dream."
Lawrence public schools Supt. Randy Weseman told the crowd that Lawrence youngsters have many dreams, quoting responses from an "I have a dream, too" project sponsored by the district. He told of second-graders who dreamed of a world where no one will steal or kill and of a high school student who dreams the world would still be a beautiful place when she has children.
"I love these dreams," Weseman said. "We have much to learn from our children. We need to listen. It is my dream we'll continue to listen and learn from their dreams."
The annual event was the 17th sponsored by the fellowship and was one of the highlights of a week's worth of activities honoring King. Earlier in the month, the fellowship was questioned over its handling of the event last year by Douglas County Commissioner Charles Jones.
While debating a request for $1,250 in public money to help defray the event's expenses, Jones said he was concerned previous commemorative services had blurred the line between church and state. He questioned the propriety of organizers offering faith-specific prayers and speakers who preached that evolution should not be taught in public schools and the Ten Commandments should be posted in all courtrooms.
Lawrence Mayor Mike Rundle briefly mentioned those concerns during his remarks to the crowd, but afterwards he said he thought the group had done a better job choosing a keynote speaker who delivered less of a "sermon" and more of a commemoration.
Monday's event still used faith-specific prayers and featured music paying tribute to Jesus Christ.
Afterwards, Jones said he was pleased by many parts of the event but still had concerns.
"Let's let this day belong to Martin Luther King," Jones said when asked to elaborate. "But there are still some questions and some discussions I would like to have with the fellowship."
During his benediction remarks, the Rev. William Dulin, president of the Ecumenical Fellowship, acknowledged the difference of opinions, saying when people don't see eye-to-eye, "one needs to rest his head on the pillow of humility, and one needs to stand on the ladder of sincerity."
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