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.  | 
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