50 Years Later, King's Dream Still Just a Dream, Say Hampton Residents

Two dozen residents gathered in downtown Hampton Wednesday to mark the 50th anniversary of a famous idealistic proclamation about a better future, although many of those residents said they were disappointed to be celebrating something they feel is still just an ideal — not reality.

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech during the March on Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, 1963. The address and march were designed to bring the country together to end inequality, although locals said not enough has changed in the years that have passed, even if they feel New Hampshire has a high level of equality. 

Hampton residents share their thoughts in the video above.

Wednesday's ceremony was conducted outside Hampton First Congregational Church, which played a significant role in the creation of Hampton over 375 years ago.

Rev. Deb Knowlton read a passage from King's speech before the church's 642-pound Paul Revere Company bell, which was forged in 1797 and has been a part of the church ever since, was rung repeatedly for three straight minutes. The "freedom" ringing was inspired by one of the most iconic lines in King's speech, and was followed by a group singing of a verse of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."