|
Today, President Obama and the First Lady will mark the 50th
anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches by visiting Selma, Alabama.
During their visit, the President will deliver remarks from the
Edmund Pettus Bridge commemorating that event and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Many attribute the 1965 violent attacks on marchers at the Edmund
Pettus Bridge, which became known as “Bloody Sunday,” as a pivotal moment in
the civil rights movement. The widely reported events of that day changed the
minds of many, leading to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a huge
step in the quest for a more equitable and just nation.
As we remember these moments in our country’s history, we are also
reminded of President Obama’s remarks at his first inauguration calling us to
serve others.
“What
is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the
part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the
world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm
in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining
of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.”
The heroic citizens who marched in Selma 50 years ago and
all the others who joined together in the civil rights movement embody that
call to service. They lived up to their duties
as citizens and left us with a powerful example that is just as relevant a half
century later.
Now it is our turn to step up to make a difference.
Whether it is becoming a mentor, helping veterans, keeping seniors
in their homes, or another issue where your talents can be applied, we can all
make a difference.
Visit Serve.gov to find your opportunity
to get involved in your community.
| 
