The Hudson Valley on Monday celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dozens of ceremonies were held, including one at the Shiloh Baptist Church in New Rochelle.

They had a contest challenging children to write down what they thought was Dr. King's legacy. The kids, aged seven to 14 years old, then delivered their thoughts to a packed church. "It's much bigger than just participating. If I'm able to write a speech and say how I want things to change and how I'm going to play a part in that change, other people my age can also look to the future and know that they can make a difference as well," says contestant Branine Jackson.

A panel of municipal and state Supreme Court judges selected the winner of the contest.

Monday was a federal holiday so all banks, post offices, schools, government offices and the stock market were closed.