Thousands of people are expected to gather in the US city of Memphis to mark 40 years since the death of civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
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Presidential hopefuls John McCain and Hillary Clinton are expected to attend, but not Mrs Clinton's Democratic rival Barack Obama.
Correspondents say Dr King's campaign for equal rights by non-violent means inspired millions around the world.
His "I have a dream" speech is still considered among the greatest ever made.
Candle-lit vigil
Events include a "recommitment march" through the city, highlighting Dr King's ideals of social justice, and the laying of wreaths at the site of his assassination.
His son, Martin Luther King III, and civil rights campaigner the Rev Al Sharpton will lead the march, which will be followed by an evening candle-lit vigil.
Dr King was killed by a rifle shot as he helped organise a strike by sanitation workers, then among the poorest in the city.
The BBC's Andy Gallacher says that while conspiracy theories abound about his death, it is his legacy that will be celebrated.
The "I have a dream" speech inspired millions, and Dr King was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1964 for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination.
"He pulled down the wars of fear, he changed the laws of legal apartheid in our country, he set in motion the right to vote which has transformed democratic governments around the world," the Rev Jesse Jackson, who was with him in his final moments, told the BBC.
The former motel was converted into a National Civil Rights Museum in 1991.
Other US events being held to commemorate Martin Luther King's death, include an appearance in Indianopolis by Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert Kennedy, who gave a passionate speech after Dr King's death and was himself assassinated two months later.
A special exhibition on his final days and funeral is due to open in his birthplace, Atlanta.
Members of the US Congress paid tribute to Dr King in speeches on Thursday.
(BBC)
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