Community Corner

Manchester to Commemorate Dr. King's Speech Wednesday

Residents asked to ring bells Wednesday afternoon for 50th anniversary of "I Have a Dream" speech.

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech given at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 50 years ago Wednesday, communities across the nation are organizing bell ringing ceremonies to chime in unison at 3 p.m. Manchester has a ceremony planned for 6 p.m. in Center Memorial Park to commemorate King's speech. 

In Connecticut, Gov. Dannel Malloy is asking local organizations and individual residents to participate by ringing bells at 3 p.m. Wednesday in their communities. Malloy will also attend Wednesday evening's ceremony in Manchester, along with other state and local dignitaries. 

“Dr. King’s message of freedom, equality and liberty resonates as strongly today as it did 50 years ago,” Malloy said Monday. “Never before has a single speech had such a dramatic and positive impact on our nation. Let’s honor the message of Dr. King’s speech and the many civil rights, labor and religious organizations that organized to spread his words. Let’s not take for granted all that they fought so hard for.”

According to the official website of the 50-year anniversary, bells may be rung before, during or after a brief ceremony and any bells can be used. 

The site does suggest “the bell tone should be deep to lend solemnity to the commemoration.” It also states that bells should ring for no more than 15 seconds.

See more at the official website, including tips for organizing a ceremony locally.

In the event of rain, Manchester's ceremony will be held at the Dehn Gallery at MCC on Main at 903 Main St. Those planning to attend are asked to bring their own seating to the event. 


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