HARRISONBURG, Va. -- People across the country honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy on Monday through a national day of service. In Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation for the holiday.

The governor called Dr. King an iconic leader who continues to live in peoples' hearts. In the proclamation, he said that Dr. King sacrificed his life to spread of message of justice and equality.

A few Valley neighbors described how they will remember Dr. King.

"I think he's done a lot for this country," said Abe Rittenhouse, "He's an eloquent speech person and seemed to live a good life."

Another neighbor said Martin Luther King, Jr. Day wasn't as big of a celebration for her.

"I'm sure it is a reckoning to deal with because of the progress he brought about for the African-Americans, but it wasn't really such a big celebration for us. It was just another day," said Linda North.

As a pastor, Dr. King preached about empowerment and equality for all races. He was there to help lead sanitation workers in a protest.

He focused on fighting poverty, just months before his assassination. He was shot in Memphis, Tenn. in 1968.

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