MIAMI (CBSMiami) — One of the oldest and largest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations in the United States takes place on the street’s of Miami’s Liberty City. Today’s Martin Luther King Day Parade runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but the street closures began at 9 a.m. this morning and folks were out early lining the parade route.

“There is unity on this day,” said parade-goer Lonnie Lawrence.

Lawrence is just one of thousands of people who took time Monday to celebrate the life and dream of a man of faith, courage and leadership.

“The things that he has done, that he did, to try and get us to the point where we are, cannot be forgotten and we have to continue to celebrate his legacy,” said Lawrence.

Celebrities, elected officials and thousands of residents attend the parade every year.

“The wonderful thing about this parade is that it’s a celebration of unity and people coming together,” said Miami Police Major Delrish Moss.

Parade-goer Nadine Gay agreed.

“Equality does exist. You can dream and you can achieve those dreams,” she said.

This MLK day marks the 26th anniversary since the civil rights leaders’ birthday was first commemorated as a federal holiday.

Dr. King would have turned 83 years old on Jan. 15th.

There is a stage set up between NW 7th and 12th Avenues on NW 54th Street. The parade route runs from NW 12th Avenue and travels west on 54th Street to NW 32 Avenue.

Miami-Dade Transit buses that normally travel along NW 54th Street will be re-routed. Check with the Miami-Dade Transit Agency.

Streets reopen to vehicles at 5 p.m.