WASHINGTON (AP) -- Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter, the Rev.
Bernice King, said the new monument in Washington honoring her
father represents a tribute to a man of faith, a preacher and
prophet.

She noted that the August postponement of the dedication, caused by Hurricane Irene, may have been an act of God to remind everyone "to move beyond the `dream' into action.

The man who succeeded Dr. King as head of the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, also praised his
former associate. Lowery said it was God's grace that sustained the
movement and will help it to endure the work that remains.

Thousands gathered near the towering granite monument on the
National Mall to hear President Barack Obama, civil rights activists and clerics including other contemporaries of the slain leader. The ceremony also featured gospel music performances by choirs and recording artists including Mary, Mary -- and Aretha Franklin. Franklin performed King's favorite song, "Precious Lord Take My Hand."

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)