Presidential Planting – WJC and BHO Dig In

ABC News’ Yunji de Nies and Sunlen Miller Report:

The edge of the Anacostia River got some presidential attention this afternoon, as President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton planted trees to show their support for community service. Mr. Obama was joined by his wife, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jill Biden and a number of Student Conservation Association volunteers.

President Obama joked with President Clinton saying, "Let’s see what you’ve got Clinton." He watched as the former President dug into the dirt and remarking that, "I think the President has some pretty good shoveling skills."

The President spent about 20 minutes digging a hole and then planting red bud tree with tiny pink flowers and occasionally got a hard time from his wife who joked that her tree was two times the size of his.

"I just see you over there talking trash and we planted a tree," the President said to his wife back, commenting that his tree was planted first.
At one point, Mrs. Obama took off her jacket, revealing a tank top. The President joked that he "just wanted to point out that these good looking arms come in handy," a nod to his wife’s much-lauded biceps.

The President’s afternoon of service followed the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, a bill that will more than triple the number of AmeriCorp volunteers to more than 250,000. The Act will cost taxpayers roughly a billion dollars a year, over the next 5 years.

Senator Ted Kennedy, who spearheaded the bill, introduced the President, who he called "his friend" at the signing, declaring it "a wonderful day."

"You have inspired a new generation of Americans, and your own example and your own call recognizes that. You have walked the walk, and today you have paved it for many, many others," he said.

The President spoke about the power of volunteering as both a benefit to the people the volunteers help, and the volunteers themselves. He cited his wife’s experience working as a founding director of an AmeriCorps program in Chicago.

"Michelle can tell you that the transformation that occurred in her life as a consequence of being able to follow her passions, follow her dreams," the President said.

The bill will expand service opportunities for students, veterans, and senior citizens. "We’re doing this because I’ve always believed that the answers to our challenges cannot come from government alone. Our government can help to rebuild our economy and lift up our schools and reform health care systems and make sure our soldiers and veterans have everything they need — but we need Americans willing to mentor our eager young children, or care for the sick, or ease the strains of deployment on our military families," he said.

The President also called on Americans to volunteer over the next week, to mark the 100th day of his administration.

"In those next eight days, I ask every American to make an enduring commitment to serving your community and your country in whatever way you can. Visit whitehouse.gov to share your stories of service and success. And together, we will measure our progress not just in the number of hours served or volunteers mobilized, but in the impact our efforts have on the life of this nation," Mr. Obama said