Obamas on ThanksgivingPic 2009: On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the day before Inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama is calling upon all Americans to participate in a national day of service, following in the legacy of one of America’s great social justice leaders.
President-elect Obama never asks more of us than he himself is willing to give. He and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will be joining thousands of volunteers in Washington, DC, on January 19 to honor the late Martin Luther King Jr. through service.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee has begun reaching out to all sorts of national service organizations - including faith-based groups, unions, businesses and political groups - asking for their members’ participation. We want to bring together all Americans in shared purpose, to set aside all that divides us and focus on our collective ability to bring change to our communities. January 19 will be just the beginning of a broader push for Americans to give back throughout the year.
Events leading up to the inauguration:
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has outlined a preliminary schedule of official inaugural events that underscores a commitment to organizing activities that are inclusive and open to the public. The following events will take place in the nation’s capital between Sunday, January 18th and Wednesday, January 21st:
Sunday, January 18th
The schedule of official inaugural activities will begin with a welcome event on Sunday afternoon that is open to the public.
Monday, January 19th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
In 1994, to further commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others, Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday into a national day of community service. To honor Dr. King’s legacy, the President-elect and Vice President-elect and their families, like Americans in communities all across the country, will participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the Washington, D.C. area.
Tuesday, January 20th - Inauguration Day
The President-elect and Vice President-elect and their families will participate in the traditional inaugural ceremonies and events, including the swearing-in ceremony on the West Front of the United States Capitol, a luncheon in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, the 56th Inaugural Parade, and official Inaugural Balls. Details about the Inaugural Balls will be released at a later date.
Wednesday, January 21st
The newly-inaugurated President and Vice President of the United States will participate in a prayer service.
Obamas on Thanksgiving
