4/4/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor Peterson to commemorate RFK speech at King-Kennedy memorial TODAY
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson will join with community leaders to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 and the historic speech that Sen. Robert F. Kennedy delivered in Indianapolis that same night. The theme of the event is "Making the Dream a Reality: A Celebration of Peace and Non-Violence."
WHEN: Today - Tuesday, April 4
5 p.m.
(Exhibits and activities will begin at 3 p.m.)
WHERE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, 1702 Broadway St.
On April 4, 1968, during a campaign stop in Indianapolis, after receiving word of the assassination of Dr. King, Sen. Kennedy delivered a powerful and heartfelt impromptu speech to the center-city crowd gathered that evening in the park in which he spoke about healing the hearts and souls of a nation and called for reconciliation between the races.
Thousands of people were injured and 43 lost their lives in riots throughout the United States as a result of King’s murder. Indianapolis, however, remained quiet that night, in part due to Kennedy’s plea for peace and understanding.
"The Landmark for Peace," a commemorative sculpture featuring likenesses of Dr. King and Sen. Kennedy, now sits on the site of the historic speech, serving as a visual reminder of Kennedy’s speech and symbolizes the strong commitment the city has against violence.
Ground was broken on the site in 1994 by President Bill Clinton, Gov. Evan Bayh, Mayor Steve Goldsmith, U.S. Sens. Richard Lugar & Ted Kennedy, Martin Luther King, III and others.
Mayor Peterson has committed to restoring and renovating the park and making it a true attraction to residents and visitors to Indianapolis.
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