Observance rallies community

One of the world's leading civil rights leaders was honored during the second-annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Observance Monday, as Valley residents packed the Teeland Middle School Cafetorium.

The festive event included plenty of song and speech, all in the praise of the life of Martin Luther King Jr., and his life's works.

"Dr. King was an important American," said 13-year-old Tom Groche, a local Boy Scout who attended the service with his father, Thomas Groche. "I wish I would have been alive to see how he changed the world and the way the world thought at the time."

Monday's community event marked the second Martin Luther King Jr. Community Observance in the Valley.

Last year, the event was held in the Machetanz Theatre, where the seating capacity was reached, forcing the switch to a larger venue this year.

For many, in just two short years, the event has become a tradition, to celebrate the works of Martin Luther King Jr.

Many people in attendance Monday grew up in the era dominated by civil unrest and social conflict, both in the South and around the nation as a whole. Coming to a community observance such as the one at Teeland Middle School was only natural, they said.

"I lived in the South and remember those times, when you only had rights if you were white, and I think it's important to talk to my son and tell him how Martin Luther King Jr. helped affect positive change in this country," Thomas Groche said. "It's important that every community remember and honor Martin Luther King, and also celebrate how far we've come as a country in one generation."

The observance featured speakers from around the community, from politicians to young people.

There was plenty of song and dance, as the observance took on a celebratory feel.

"I thought it was great," said Lynda Parson. "I didn't get a chance to go to last year's, so I can't really compare them, but it was wonderful. A long time overdue."

A Martin Luther King Jr. prayer service also took place in the Valley. It was the first time such a service took place here.

Other community celebrations took place around the state on Monday.