'To whom much is given, much is expected.' That's what our parents used to say to us. My brother and I were taught that you have an obligation to give back." - Michelle Obama
The Colorado sunlight burned off the early morning chill, drying the dew on the grass. Peppy rock tunes blared from the speakers. At the sight of the motorcade pulling up behind the small outdoor stage, those in attendance hushed and rushed toward the stage. Children leaned over the railing to catch the first glimpse of the special guests taking part in the Democratic National Convention's Delegate Service Day. Out of the vehicles emerged Michelle Obama, her daughters Malia and Sasha, Michelle's mother Marian, Michelle's big brother Craig, Jill Biden, Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter, and a cadre of Obama and Biden friends and family members. All were sporting bright blue tee shirts emblazoned with the words, "Supporting Our Troops" on the front. The crowd erupted in applause at their arrival. Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of the non-partisan Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, welcomed the group. Paul acknowledged special guest Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran from Illinois who lost her legs at war when the Black Hawk helicopter she was co-piloting was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. (Duckworth will speak at tonight's session of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.) Rieckhoff called on Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter, who introduced Michelle. Michelle offered brief remarks about the day's emphasis on service and shared with the crowd the plans to assemble "care packages" for American troops at the conclusion of the program.
"These projects are our way of saying thank you to the people of Denver, our gracious hosts this week. But our work today is also out of support and great admiration for the troops who are serving our country abroad and keeping us safe at home. My family is thrilled to be here today to send a few comforts of home to our soldiers overseas. We hope the more than one thousand delegates taking part in the many service projects across Denver today will carry that commitment to service back to help their communities long after our Convention is over."
Hear a personal greeting from Michelle on-site at today's service event:
Learn about the Obama-Biden National Service Plan here.
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