MADELEINE BRAND, host:
And we end the program today with the voice of the man the nation memorializes today. He is Dr. martin Luther King, Jr.
ALEX CHADWICK, host:
He died 40 years ago this year. It was April 4th, 1968. And the day before that, he spoke to striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. And he called the speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop." Here is Dr. King.
Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR: Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now because I've been to the mountaintop. I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain.
And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promise land.
So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
(Soundbite of cheers and applause) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.