Celebrating the Dream:National Day of Service

(The Crowd gathered near the concert stage)

(A volunteer helping child find a shirt that fits)

(Martin Luther King III)

(Me passing out bags)

(Me in front of the library)

(A picture in library window that reads: "There are two types of laws: there are just laws and there are unjust laws...What is the difference between the two? An unjust law is a man-made code that is out of harmony with the moral law." Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. )
(The front of the library)

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Obama called for the American people to give back to their respective communities. With this in mind, we awoke early this morning and drove into D.C. We arrived at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. library not to much later where we were met with large crowds of people. We were separated into groups that had different tasks. My group and I were to pass out bags to the needy who were getting clothes from the clothing drive. I found this activity to be very fulfilling. I could really tell that the people appreciated what were doing and that, even if in a small way, we were impacting their lives. One moment stood out to me the most though. At one point, two young children walked over with their mom. Their eyes lit up like they were in a candy shop, they were so excited! It meant so much to me to see how happy the clothes made them feel and how grateful they were to receive it. The activity continued with a small concert and short speech by Martin Luther King III, the son of Martin Luther King Jr. Being involved in this service project made me realize the true importance of service and giving to those that may not be as fortunate. When I looked around everyone just seemed to happy. People were dancing to the music while enjoying food and friends. Over all the event enriched our trip and our journey to the inauguration.

**Erica**