by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
With President Obama ready to take the oath of office, he once again said that this celebration should be about the country and not solely himself, and asked that the entire United States participate in a National Day of Service to celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King was a man who looked forward to the US and the people within, and President Obama wanted to embrace that soul and challenge every individual to give back to their communities, cities and the world around.
To kick off the massive effort, former first daughter Chelsea Clinton was chosen as honor chairwoman to lead service efforts in health, environment, faith, education and a variety of other chapters meant to show just how “serving” your country can mean a variety of things.
DC’s own Tommy McFly was chosen as the official emcee of the service summit held on the National Mall where thousands of volunteers gathered to discuss and pledge service opportunities. McFly is the first to host the National Day of Service as well as the White House Easter Egg Roll and be a part of the National Christmas Tree lighting (both on McFly’s 2012 roster).
Joining the volunteers on the Mall Saturday were a host of inspiring figures who were primed to each talk about how they serve. Attorney and TV commentator Star Jones talked about health and her struggle with heart disease, gospel singer Yolanda Adams talked about how faith can strengthen your resolve when times get tough and Eva Longoria, who is a member of this year’s Presidential Inaugural Committee talked about bettering community. Also on hand was singer and producer Ben Folds, Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan and the Vice President’s son Beau Biden.
The day garnered pledges of more than 400,000 service hours among the various groups present under the massive tent in the shadow of the Washington Monument.
President Obama and Vice President Biden will renew their oaths of office in a ceremony Monday afternoon.
