ATLANTA – Americans inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. took part in marches and rallies around the country yesterday, drawing from the late civil rights leader’s message to call for an end to the Iraq war, advocate affirmative action, and speak out for gay rights.

In King’s hometown, parade spectators lined the streets dancing to Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” and listening to King’s speeches blaring over loudspeakers. Thousands of marchers, braving the winter chill, then walked through the Atlanta district where King grew up and preached.

Joining high school marching bands, union workers, and civil rights activists, a group of several hundred people came out in support of gay rights, saying King’s message was one of inclusion.

“Dr. King’s dream is for everyone, not just one specific group of individuals,” said Michelle Bruce, a Riverdale city councilwoman who marched with a transgender group called TransAction. “If you hate discrimination and racism, this is the place to come and march.”

In a commemorative service marking the holiday at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King III asked the congregation to remember his father’s legacy of peace as America wages war in Iraq, and to remember his message of compassion in light of the tsunami disaster.

“Let us respond to this challenge by reaching out to help our sisters and brothers who are suffering because of the tsunami,” he said.

King preached at Ebenezer from 1960 until his assassination in 1968 at age 39. He would have turned 76 on Saturday. At a King day breakfast in Boston, Senator Kerry made some of his strongest comments since Election Day about problems with voting in some states.

While reiterating he did not contest the presidential election, Mr. Kerry said: “I nevertheless make it clear that thousands of people were suppressed in the effort to vote. Voting machines were distributed in uneven ways. In Democratic districts, it took people four, five, 11 hours to vote, while Republicans (went) through in 10 minutes – same voting machines, same process, our America … Martin Luther King reminded us that yes, we have to accept finite disappointment, and I know how to do that,” Mr. Kerry said to chuckles from listeners. “But he said we must … never give up on infinite hope.”

In Atlanta, Republican Senator Chambliss told the crowd at Ebenezer that King’s work is unfinished. “The dream of Dr. King will not be fulfilled until everyone who is uneducated is educated, everyone who is homeless has a roof over their head, and all who hunger become fed,” Mr. Chambliss said.