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Community Corner

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Torch Run Sets Off Day's Aquidneck Island Observances

Local members of the armed forces turned out on a very chilly Monday morning for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Torch Run in Portsmouth, as other island-wide events were planned for the day, including a special luncheon at Atlantic Beach Club.

Local Aquidneck Island military members from the Navy and Marine Corps braved cold temperatures to support the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Torch Run Monday morning.

With approximately 20 runners, the start location was changed from to the other side of the Rt. 114 due to snow.

This did not damper the runners enthusiasm and encouraging words were exchanged by all. Preparing for more than an eight-mile run, gloves and hats were prevalent with a few stating "I hope I make it."

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The race was to end at Thompson Middle School in Portsmouth with a ceremony to follow, including a speech by Keith Stokes, executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp.

Numerous other events have been planned planned across Aquidneck Island Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including a special luncheon at . A complete schedule may be viewed here.

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Featured in the photo gallery below are highlights from the start of the torch run:

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