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Atlanta honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

ATLANTA — From Georgia and beyond, many people are honoring the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
   
An annual commemorative service is the spiritual hallmark of the King holiday observance on Monday. Workers began preparing early in the morning for tributes set to take place at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn District. King preached at the church, and it's about a block from the home where he was born.

Monday's service is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. It's one of many observances the King Center puts on during its 10-day program.

This year's keynote speaker is Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership conference. Organizers said the program embraces believers of various religious traditions. The service began at 8 a.m.

The holiday falls on the same day as the inauguration for President Barack Obama, and Ebenezer will host a watch party in the sanctuary. The president is expected to be publicly sworn in using a bible that was used by Dr. King.

Channel 2's John Bachman will be in Washington, DC for the inaugural ceremony. He'll have a live update on Channel 2 Action News at 4.