American people's observance of MLK Day

From Memphis, where Dr. Martin Luther King died, to Saint Louis in the Midwest today, to Los Angeles, Americans honor the civil rights leader, who changed the world by his bravery, his leadership and his vision.

"I have a dream today."

"I remember crying like a baby. I remember saying this is the America I want to be a part of. "

Bill Clinton at King's Church in Atlanta, linking him to the success of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

"We've got all these different people seeking the presidency. And guess what? It's all possible because of Martin Luther King's vision of the beloved community."

Republican Mike Huckabee was in the front pew. At a King Parade in Florida, Mitt Romney offered advice to African Americans.

"Teach kids that they should get married before they have babies and encourage the formation of families. It’s an enormous advantage to kids."
President Bush was with kids at the King library in Washington’s Birthday observance.

"It's an opportunity (to) renew our deep desire for America to be a hope of, a land of promise for everybody." That was King's message.

"He was prophetic enough and patriotic enough to celebrate America and yet challenge America to rise up."

"T.T.A. We all have a dream", a message celebrated by millions today.

I am Steve Handelsman , NBC News, Washington.