Share
WASHINGTON -- Hurricane Irene has dashed the hopes of dedicating a 30-foot sculptuire of the late Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend in Washington.
The dedication ceremony had been scheduled for Sunday afternoon on the National Mall, with President Obama attending. But authorities have postponed the event.
While a direct strike on the nation's capital appeared slim, organizers of Sunday's program said forecasts of wind and heavy rain made it too dangerous to summon a throng they initially expected to number up to 250,000 strong.
Organizers noted that many of the pioneers of the civil rights movement -- people who worked closely with King and planned to attend Sunday's event -- are elderly.
The District of Columbia is under a tropical storm warning, with winds of 30 to 50 mph possible Sunday.
No rescheduling date has been set, but organizers said late Thursday they are hoping to hold the event in September or October.
