A young participant holds a peace sign as the crowd marches down Main Street in Hermiston's 10th annual Peace Walk. About 100 people joined the walk Monday to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On the 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, more than 100 people participated in Hermistons 10th annual Peace Walk.

At 10 a.m. Monday, participants joined in a march from Living Water Foursquare Church to Hermiston City Hall carrying banners with photos of King and messages of equality. Escorted by Hermiston Police vehicles, the crowd paused on the steps of City Hall for prayer and a message from Hermiston Mayor Bob Severson, who recounted a brief biography of the civil rights leader.

We could spend a lot of time listing his accomplishments, but the most important thing to remember is he was a good man who cared about people of all religions and cultures, Severson said. Im proud to stand here with you today and remember this great man.

From a video showing Kings famous I Have a Dream speech to multiple musical performances, the event brought out a crowd of mixed origins and races, all ready to remember and remark on Kings legacy. Joe Montes, of Blue Mountain Community College, was one who spoke.

I look back to my childhood and reflect on everything that happened, such as my parents not speaking English and relying on their four children to help them (communicate), Montes said, adding Kings influence helped give children of all races advantages their parents did not have. Weve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. It is our responsibility to keep his words alive.

Sally Martin and Sunset Elementary music teacher Mark Douglas each led musical portions of the ceremony and gave their own statements on the importance of Kings messages.

I know Im preaching to the choir because by being here, youre saying you support what Martin Luther King stood for, which is judging by character instead of by skin, Douglas said. What really happens with this event does not happen here. It inspires us to go out and a make a friend to make a bridge.

Hector Ramirez, pastor of Fe Esperanza Y Amor Church, also spoke.

King dedicated his entire life to the end of racial discrimination through nonviolence. King became the face of a moment that he helped build, average citizens fighting for civil rights, Ramirez said. This man made a difference in our nation. We can make a difference by standing up for whats right.

While most of the speakers hailed from Umatilla County, some traveled a greater distance, such as Dee Rome, of Yakima, Wash, who talked of Kings inspiration in her life and the experiences of her husband, who was jailed for attending a peace march when he was 7 years old.

Dr. King was not only a man who walked for the black man but who walked for every man. He walked for every man of every color, creed, origin and religion, Rome said. It is truly an honor to be a part of this gathering. We are here today because of King Day, but also because we dont want the dream of Dr. King to die. The dream must live on, and we must never forget where weve come from.