President Obama called on Americans to contribute to community service in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The president, who was joined by first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia, celebrated the holiday by participating in a service project at the Browne Education Campus in Washington, D.C.
"There's no better way to celebrate Dr. King than to do something on behalf of others," Obama said during his speech Monday.
Community service projects have become a tradition of the first family in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Last year, the Obamas painted vegetables on the walls of Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, D.C.'s northeast quadrant as their service project.
"There's nobody who can't serve. Nobody who can't help somebody else. And whether you're seven or six or seventy-six you can find opportunities to make an enormous difference in your community," Obama said.
"At a time when the country has been going through some difficult economic times, for us to be able to come together as a community from all different walks of life and make sure that we're giving back," he continued, "that's ultimately what makes us the strongest, most extraordinary country on earth."
The president ended his speech on a light note, joking that he isn't the handiest person in the world.
"If you're putting a paint brush in my hand make sure that I've got some very clear lines and I'll try to stay within them," he said.
For more on Obama's observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, click here.
This post was updated at 12:15 p.m.
