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A Full Day of Events For the First Lady

George Washington University Freshman students high-five First Lady Michelle Obama at Vinson Hall Community Center in McLean, Virginia. Photos/CD Brown.
After joining former First Lady Laura Bush in Pennsylvania earlier today to honor the 9/11 passengers and crew of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Obama set her sights back in the Nation's Capital by participating in a National Day of Service and Remembrance at the Vinson Hall Retirement Community community center in McLean, Virginia.

The event garnered over 150 George Washington University students, eighty that included young veterans who either served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Many attend GW courtesy of the G.I. Bill.

After high-fiving the George Washington University's young volunteers who volunteered to participate in the Freshman Day of Service initiative, the First Lady was off to help the students paint portions community center's loading dock.  Starting with the walls and then on

Other service opportunities included dusting the interior of the facility, taking inventory, having a car wash, and cleaning stairwells.

George Washington University had over 2,000 volunteer freshman students working at more than 12 different area metro area sites to include parts of the Anacostia watershed and areas of Rock Creek Park.

GW students totaled over 200,000 community service hours last year, exceeding the challenge set by Mrs. Obama of 100,000 hours in 2009.

Vinson Hall is supported by the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation. Its residents include Navy Veterans of the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway.

First Lady poses with young and season veterans at Vinson Hall.
"It is a wonderful opportunity to bring together those who have served many, many years ago with those who have recent experiences serving our nation - in what ever way", said Vinson Hall's Executive Director. 

"There are stories to tell on both parts, and I think it enriches the lives of our seniors as well as those of the younger Americans who hopefully listen to the various stories and learn from one another.  It also brings our community together in a partnership."

The students have volunteered at the Hall on several occasions.

Freshman Day of Service: Video and more.

First Lady helps paint Vinson Hall Community Center loading dock.  Photo/CD Brown.
First Lady painting pipes of Vinson Hall loading dock orange.  Photo/CD Brown.
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