More than 100 people gathered 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 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 High School Color Guard led the way up Carlton Avenue to 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 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 High School and Nathaniel Sletvold from Freedom High School, spoke individually about 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 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 older people who remember 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 by a hot meal including 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 King, both the spirit and the body were enriched.