President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Washington D.C. as part of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

President talks about the importance of volunteerism while working alongside Habitat AmeriCorps members

ATLANTA (Sept. 11, 2009) – U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama volunteered on a Habitat for Humanity build site in Washington D.C. on Friday as part of the inaugural 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. After touring the Habitat build site, President and Mrs. Obama worked alongside Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members and Habitat of Washington, D.C. staff to paint the living room of a Habitat home in the Deanwood neighborhood. “We are honored that President and Mrs. Obama spent part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance working with Habitat for Humanity,” said Kent Adcock, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. “The visit highlights the dedicated volunteers who work in partnership with communities worldwide and enable Habitat to provide affordable housing with families in need.” September 11 was officially recognized as the National Day of Service and Remembrance as part of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The mission of the day is to honor the victims and those who rose to service in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, by encouraging all Americans and others throughout the world to perform at least one good deed on September 11 each year.

To see a slideshow of the Obamas volunteer day click  here.