Dick Lewin of St Joseph was 28 years old when he saw Dr. Martin Luther King deliver his famous “I had a dream” speech.

Today, at age 79, Lewin is a retired social worker. Back in August of 1963, he helped fill six buses with union social workers to join the March on Washington.

Lewin says he was awed by what he called the “sea of people” surrounding the Reflecting Pool. He watched King’s speech from about 25 yards away.

Lewin will share his recollections at a special event Thursday evening in advance of the Martin Luther King Day and National Day of Service, which is Monday.

“The influence of the march on my life was tremendous,” Lewin said, “and I came out of that committed to trying to devote my life to helping other people.”

The St Joseph Youth Alliance and AmeriCorps will present a full program on Dr King and the importance of volunteerism tonight at the East Hills Library.

Refreshments starting at 5:30 pm, the speakers begin at six.