Kasich honors anniversary of Dr. King's famous speech

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. John Kasich is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech with a proclamation.

Kasich declared today to be “Let Freedom Ring Day” in the state. The Republican governor says the 1963 speech and March on Washington was a “pivotal contribution” in the advancement of racial equality.

King delivered his speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the historic march in the nation’s capital. The civil-rights leader implored his audience to “let freedom ring” from the hilltops and mountains of every state in the nation, some of which he cited by name in his speech.

King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was gunned down by an assassin in Memphis, Tenn., in 1968.