The Day of The Dream
by Wallace Turner

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Bill knew it was going to be an important day. He had never seen so many people. He held his father's hand as they marched up the streets of Washington. It was, August 28, 1963.

Bill knew it was important because it had been such a struggle just to get there. His mother had heard that there was going to be a rally for equal rights. "We have to be there," she said. "It's time to stand up for what we believe in."

His father agreed, and so did a lot of their friends in Atlanta. His parents decided to use money they had been saving for a new sofa to buy bus tickets for the whole family. Some families pitched their money together so they could send at least one person to Washington.

Bill looked out at the enormous crowd. More than 200,000 people stood, listening to people talk about changing the world. The mood was exciting, powerful, and angry.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., came out. Bill could barely see him, but he could hear every word. "I have a dream," Dr. King pronounced, "that this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal."

The crowd went wild. Bill saw his mother wipe away a tear. His father looked strong and proud. He lifted Bill up and said, "You hear, son?" That's why we've come all this way. Remember those words. They're the most important you'll ever hear." Bill hugged his father and knew he was right.

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