Losing Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today marks the 42nd anniversary of Dr. King's death.  Sad that a man who advocated passive resistance and abhorred violence would meet such a violent death.  As a kid, I remember the outbreak of violence that occurred throughout the nation in the aftermath of his murder.

I recall the throngs of people lining the streets to pay tribute as Dr. King's casket passed by in a wooden farm cart drawn by two mules.  Following behind were family members, colleagues, and other mourners including Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

Just a few nights before, Sen. Kennedy was able to both convey the sad news and calm a predominantly African-American crowd in Indianapolis by demonstrating empathy in referencing his own brother's murder.  Sadly, Sen. Kennedy would be killed 2 months later in Los Angeles.

One can't help but wonder how differently things may have turned out if our nation had not lost these two leaders in 1968.  It reminds of the melancholy lyrics from Dion's song "Abraham, Martin, & John":

Anybody here seen my old friend Martin?

Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
I just looked 'round and he's gone.