This week, First Baptist Church of Nashua will host its 36th annual tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The event, set for 6 p.m. Saturday, typically attracts hundreds of local residents to the church.

Julia and Jim Leonard – along with all those involved in organizing this event – deserve thanks for their efforts in putting on this annual affair.

This April 4 will mark the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination. Despite a half century passing, his words still ring true and loud in today’s world.

King’s dream truly lives on and, despite progress, this country still has a long way to go to reach that Promised Land in which King spoke so eloquently.

That’s why what First Baptist Church is doing is so very important.

We all must remember King’s message and heed his advice.

This year’s keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Neal Pearson of St. Johns Baptist Church in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Other musical participants include soloist Julia Leonard, the First Baptist Church of Nashua Chancel Choir, the N.H. Gay Men’s Chorus, The Community Interfaith Choir, Temple Beth Abraham Zimria Choir and The New Fellowship Choir.

We all should take pause Saturday and attend this event, if at all possible. Lessons still need learned, and this would be the perfect opportunity.