At least 10,000 attended the dedication

"Let us draw strength from those earlier struggles," Obama said to crowds on the Mall, but to stay "mindful that the hardships we face are nothing compared to those Dr. King and his fellow marchers faced 50 years ago."

Thousands attended the dedication with some gathering as early as 5 a.m., ABC reports. The granite statue of King is 30 feet tall with 14 of his quotes inscribed on the side. 

The monument has been open since August, USA Today said. It has already drawn an estimated 1.5 million visitors.

This dedication comes after a twenty-year campaign for an MLK memorial, the National Journal reports.