Obamas mark MLK's birthday by volunteering

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughter Malia (second from left) work at the Browne Education Center in Washington, D.C., on January 16, 2012, to take part in a community service project in celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. / JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and his family are marking Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a volunteer service project at a local school.

The Obamas joined other volunteers Monday morning at the Browne Education Campus in the District of Columbia.

In brief remarks Monday, the president said there is no better way to celebrate King's life "than to do something on behalf of others."

Mr. Obama said, as Dr. King had, that everyone can act as "a drum major" for service and for justice.

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Special section: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"There's nobody who can't serve, nobody who can't help somebody else," the president said. "And whether you're 7 or 6, or whether you're 76, you can find opportunities to make an enormous difference in your community.

"At a time when the country has been going through some difficult economic times, for us to be able to come together as a community, people from all different walks of life, and make sure we're giving back, that's ultimately what makes us the strongest, most extraordinary country on Earth - because we pull together when times are good, but also when times are hard."

After greeting volunteers, the president and his family helped build bookshelves in the school's library.

/ JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

"If you're putting a paint brush in my hands, make sure that I've got some very clear lines, and I'll try to stay within them," he joked.

This is the third year in a row the Obamas have participated in a service project on King's holiday.

[raymailhot]

The Reverend King I remember was a Christian leader that put his life out in front on trying to make America a better place by bringing us all together as one. President Obama does this as a publicity stunt and still hasn't learned to speak in a manner that brings all of America together.

[myth1958]

The President and First Lady set the tone for honoring MLK on his holiday - a day 'on' instead of merely another day off. "The president said there is no better way to celebrate King's life than to do something on behalf of others." This isn't just politics as usual - not when the First Family also spent Thanksgiving serving meals to the disadvantaged and exemplifies the right behavior to their two daughters through positive action. His critics are multiple, especially on an open blog like this, but how much are they doing to match our leader's contribution to bettering the lives of others? Mostly nothing - including the rabid haters on these blogs. When the enemies of progress match the accomplishments this man has achieved in just a few years, they'll have the moral ground from which to speak. Otherwise, their whining complaints and frustrated babble belittling the work Obama has done ring hollow: the impotent complaints of the serially malcontented. Thank you, Mr. President and First Lady, for leading by example.

[Ben37221]

Great job Mr. President. You republicans like to talk about energy, drill baby drill. Why didn't the republican drill in the eight years they were in power? In case you don't know, the United State is producing more oil today than at anytime during the Bush administration. Also if you republicans will get off your behind and support the democrate in their alternative energy push. The welfare-mean subsidies given to the oil companies should be put towards developing alternative energy.
Again, great job Mr. President and the first lady.

[fiberglass3]

Inquisitor - Try showing some respect.

It's your own fault that you are stuck living in that tent trailer behind your Mother's house.

[overtax]

THE Obama's volunteering is great, no problem with it.
Obama spending are tax dollar big problem.
Someone in Washington want to explain to him that gasoline
price is 25% of the reason the economy is stagnate. And that there
are solutions to fix that, much more simpler than solving the housing market.
Focused like a laser on jobs and pivoting to campaign fundraisers have not
served the country very well these past 3 years.

[fiberglass3]

overtax: Two days after election day 2010, after it was clear that the republacan'ts had a majority in the House, the price of gasoline started an uphill climb toward $4.00 / gallon. Look it up!

Where were you when Bush was spending your tax dollars buy the truckload?