March 21, 1965, more than 3,000 civil rights demonstrators led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr

[seemslikeadream]

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0321.html#article

The marchers, or at least many of them, are on their way to the State Capitol at Montgomery to submit a petition for Negro rights Thursday to Gov. George C. Wallace, a man with little sympathy for their cause.

Today was the third attempt for the Alabama Freedom March. On the first two, the marchers were stopped by state troopers, the first time with tear gas and clubs.

The troopers were on hand today, but they limited themselves to helping Federal troops handle traffic on U.S. Highway 80 as the marchers left Selma.

Soldiers Line Highway

Hundreds of Army and federalized National Guard troops stood guard in Selma and lined the highway out of town to protect the marchers. The troops were sent by President Johnson after Governor Wallace said that Alabama could not afford the expense of protecting the march.

The marchers were in festive humor as they started. The tone was set by the Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy, top aide to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, as he introduced Dr. King for an address before the march started.

[Marnieworld]

1. Heroes. Every single one of them.

"Today was the third attempt for the Alabama Freedom March. On the first two, the marchers were stopped by state troopers, the first time with tear gas and clubs."

Imagine the strength involved to march again after getting clubbed and gassed? Talk about sacrifice!

We can all learn a lot from the spirit and courage exhibited by these heroes. We still feel the benefits of their work, all of us.

Thank you for posting this to remember. We should never forget.

:patriot: