SELMA –Thousands gathered in Selma, Alabama, for the 50th anniversary commemoration of “Bloody Sunday,” when peaceful demonstrators were attacked by law enforcement during a march to Montgomery to press for equal voting rights.

Georgia Representative John Lewis, at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s side during the milestone day, delivered remarks before introducing President Barack Obama.

Lewis represents part of Atlanta in the U.S. House of Representatives but is an Alabama native who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr.  He still bears the scars on his head from being beaten on that bridge that day.

Lewis said he and others returned to the bridge to be renewed, inspired and reminded of the need to work toward justice and equality.