WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama honored the legacy of
Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday by participating in a painting
project at a school on Capitol Hill.
On the federal holiday named for the slain civil rights leader,
Obama brought his family to Stuart Hobson Middle School, where he
and first lady Michelle Obama helped paint apple characters on
pillars in the lunchroom to encourage healthier eating.
Obama said King's legacy is also about service and urged
Americans to get out into their communities on Monday - a step he
suggested would have special meaning following the shooting rampage
in Tucson, Ariz.
"After a painful week where so many of us were focused on the
tragedy, it's good for us to remind ourselves of what this country
is all about," he told reporters.
Monday also happened to be Michelle Obama's 47th birthday. To
mark it, the crowd at the school sang the Stevie Wonder version of
"Happy Birthday," which the musician wrote to honor King.