Americans across the country are observing the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. who was assassinated in 1968.
U.S. Observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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A person stands with an umbrella in a steady rain at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, January 18, 2015.

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Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson speaks before a wreath laying ceremony at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, in honor of MLK Day in Washington, Jan. 19, 2015.

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Marchers hold up signs as they make their way towards the Edmund Pettus Bridge in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma, Alabama, Jan. 18, 2015.

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Oprah Winfrey locks arms with David Oyelowo (left) who portrays Martin Luther King, Jr. in the movie "Selma," Ava DuVernay, the director of "Selma" and rapper Common (far left) as they march to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Selma, Alabama, Jan. 19, 2015.