More than 100 people gathered the morning of Jan. 15 at the Comfort Suites Motel on Third Street in South Bethlehem to time-travel back to the 1960s and experience two of the most formative events of those years: a civil rights march and a demonstration.

One purpose was to honor the central figure of the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on what would have been his 95th birthday. But more than that, the organizers wanted to pass on to young participants Dr. King’s dream of justice for all Americans. This wasn’t just an event; first and foremost it was a lesson.

For an old-timer, witnessing the marchers brought back memories, most of them happy, some very sad. Flags flying, the Liberty HS Color Guard led the way up Carlton Avenue to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The majority of the participants in the procession were of school age. The younger kids appeared to be unsure of themselves and were mostly quiet during the march.

Older marchers, on the other hand, joined in singing a powerful rendition of the great civil rights anthem, “We shall overcome.” Hearing those words in person for the first time in many years, sung by a group including many people of color, was moving.

As tragic events of recent times have demonstrated, America still has much to do before it can claim to offer equality for all people. But the hope that motivated marchers in the Sixties still motivates marchers today: “We shall overcome.”

At Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, the organizer of the day’s events, Frankie West, opened a meeting at which young people and the adults who lead them were featured participants. Two Bethlehem high school students, Xavier Moore from Liberty and Nathaniel Sletvold of Freedom, spoke individually about Dr. King’s legacy and its meaning for them and their peers.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto complimented Xavier and Nathaniel for “exemplifying what Dr. King had to say” about respecting all people. Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds emphasized the importance of not letting Dr. King’s message be lost. Regarding racism, Reynolds said, “You’ve got to keep talking about it.”

Awards were then presented to individuals who have taken leadership roles in activities for the young. Youth sports participants and their coaches were singled out for special recognition. This was a lesson in citizenship that older people who remember Dr. King were giving to today’s youth.

When the speeches had been delivered and the awards distributed, the participants reassembled to march back to the Comfort Suites. After an hour in the cold, they were welcomed with a hot meal that included multiple entrees. Anyone who tried to escape without a heaping plate was snagged by one of the serving ladies and invited personally to go through the line again.

“Take it home with you,” one lady said to a visitor who hadn’t helped himself. At an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., both the spirit and the body were enriched.