A Wild Rumpus: The First Family Reads On The Easter Egg Roll's Storytime Stage - With Videos

Even First Dog Bo gets in on the dramatic literary action...
During a stop at the Storytime Stage at Monday's White House Easter Egg Roll, the First Family gave dramatic readings of kids' classics to a group of about 100 elementary-school aged kids. Under the spreading branches of a magnolia tree in the center of the South Lawn, they sat on white chairs on a grass-green stage surrounded by lush flower arrangements. President Obama has hailed author Maurice Sendak's classic Where the Wild Things Are as one of his favorite books, and as he read it he got so carried away with recreating the howling of protagonist Max that he set First Dog Bo to barking as First Lady Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha looked on, giggling.

"I love this book," the President said before he started roaring. "It is a great book." Most of the kids in the audience raised their hands when the President asked who else loved the book.


The kids--and a big crowd watching from behind a fence that separated the Storytime Garden from the rest of the South Lawn--howled and waved their own "claws" in the air as the President urged them to participate in the book's wild rumpus, an amusing embroidery on this year's Egg Roll theme, “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move!” (Above: The President shows his claws)

The First Lady was dressed in bright blue purple pants, an orange shirt, a yellow cardigan, and bright blue ballet flats, and sat with her legs wrapped around Bo. The President was in shirtsleeves and khakis, clad for a little basketball with the kids after the reading.



Before the President's round of roaring, he'd introduced his daughters as "the two best readers in the family," and the girls traded off reading pages of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, by author Philip C. Stead.

After the President and the girls left to hit the basketball court, Mrs. Obama stayed on the Storytime Stage and gave an engaging solo reading of The Little Mouse and The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Hungry Bear, by authors Don Wood and Audrey Wood. (Above: Mrs. Obama reading solo)

"One of my favorites," Mrs. Obama said of the book.

She pulled her chair forward to be closer to the kids, inviting them to guess what happened next as she went through the story.



After he reading, Mrs. Obama visited the "Play with Your Food" activity area by her Kitchen Garden, and cooked with celebrity guest chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Actress Julianne Moore, due to read after the First Family, was spotted near the stage. Also scheduled for readings: Actor Forest Whitaker, Robin Roberts, Jeff Kinney from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Etan Thomas, and Bella Thorne, and Michael Chang, among others. First Grandmother Marian Robinson read The Rainbow Fish by by Marcus Pfister. More than 35,000 visitors made their way through the South Lawn today in groups of 6,000 people, for the largest Easter Egg Roll in White House history.

Mrs. Robinson reads:



DOWNLOAD the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll Program by clicking here; it describes the events and stations on the South Lawn [PDF]. CLICK HERE for all posts about the Roll.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

Rolling!

"Mrs. Easter Bunny" poses with a young guest as her parents snap a photo by the Eggtivity Zone on the South Lawn. A series of White House staffers wear the bunny suits throughout the day, and it's usually "top secret" who is behind the tall ears and eye glasses.

More than 5,000 volunteers worked at the event on the South Lawn and as guests entered on the National Mall beyond. About 14,500 hard boiled eggs were used during the day for the Easter Egg Rolling race and the Egg Hunt. The race is conducted by moving the eggs along a course with wooden spoons.

Above, at the Easter Egg Rolling race course, a young guest waves before she enters the race, as a volunteer holds a crate of extra hard boiled eggs. The President and Mrs. Obama visited the Egg Rolling course after their brief opening remarks.

DOWNLOAD the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll Program by clicking here; it describes the events and stations on the South Lawn [PDF]. CLICK HERE for all posts about the Roll.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

President Obama, First Lady Open The 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll

After "Special Guest" the Easter Bunny appeared on the Truman Balcony at 10:43 AM, the First Family followed moments later to kick off the 134th annual Easter Egg Roll. President Obama introduced his wife, hailing First Lady Michelle Obama as "the powerhouse of the White House, the one truly in charge, as Malia, Sasha and Bo all know."

The First Powerhouse was clad in neon Easter colors: A yellow sweater, a red top, purple pants, and bright blue ballet flats, her hair in a bun as she stepped up to the mic to cheers, surrounded by Malia and Sasha, First Grandmother Mrs. Marion Robinson and First Dog Bo.

"I think the President is going to try to beat a three-year-old" in an Easter egg rolling contest, Mrs. Obama quipped. The First Lady encouraged the guests to enjoy themselves, listing all the day's events designed to promote the Let's Move! campaign, from celebrity chefs doing cooking demonstrations to sports stars in the Eggtivity Zone to a Yoga Garden.

"It's a wonderful day, and I hope you all enjoy it," Mrs. Obama said to more cheers. "I hope you put on your comfortable shoes. We've got ours on, right, all the Obamas here."

The first of five waves of 6,000 guests had already romped through the very busy South Lawn when the First Lady "officially" opened this year's Roll, the largest and longest in White House history, with more than 35,000 total guests expected.

"Let's go, Let's play, Let's move!" Mrs. Obama said, to even more cheers.

13-year-old singing sensation Rachel Crow sang the National Anthem, after performing on the Rockin' Egg Roll Stage at about 7:30 AM for the first group of guests. Crow got a hug from Mrs. Obama when she finished. The President and Mrs. Obama, as they finished their welcome, walked down the steps and on to the South Lawn to greet guests.

DOWNLOAD the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll Program by clicking here; it describes the events and stations on the South Lawn [PDF]. CLICK HERE for all posts about the Roll, including the talent line-up.

The transcript:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2012

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND THE FIRST LADY
AT THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL

South Lawn
The White House

10:46 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody! (Applause.) How about Rachel Crow? Give her a big round of applause. (Applause.)

I want to wish everybody a wonderful Easter. And we are so thrilled that all of you could join us here today. My job is very simple: It is to introduce the powerhouse of the White House, the one truly in charge, as Malia, Sasha and Bo all know -- the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. (Applause.)

MRS. OBAMA: Thank you, honey. (Applause.) My job is simple as well. I just want to officially welcome you all to the White House Easter Egg Roll. It is a beautiful day, perfect weather. We are so excited to have you all here. We've got a great set of activities planned for you. There's something for everyone. We're going to be over there doing a little egg roll. I think the President is going to try to beat a three-year-old -- which I hope he does not. (Laughter.)

But we also have a wonderful yoga garden. We've got some story-time guests. We've got great readers here this year, as we do every year. You can get your face painted. We've got wonderful musical guests. Rachel was amazing, and she's a really sweet kid, which is more important. We've got wonderful athletes here. We've got Chris Evert -- my gosh. (Applause.) And many, many others -- the Harlem Globetrotters are here. (Applause.) You can do an obstacle course. We're going to be down at the kitchen learning how to do some healthy cooking with the -- some of our celebrity chefs.

So it's a wonderful day, and I hope you all enjoy it. I hope you put on your comfortable shoes. We've got ours on, right, all the Obamas here.

So on behalf of our family, I also want to wish you all a happy Easter and a happy Easter Egg Roll. So in the theme of this year's Easter Egg Roll, let's go, let's play -- let's move! (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, everybody. Have a great time. We'll see you down there. (Applause.)

END 10:48 A.M. EDT
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Easter Egg Roll Special Delivery

As the 2012 Easter Egg Roll began, Assistant Pastry Chef Susie Morrison carried a KitchenAid mixer down to the Kids Kitchen located in the "Play with Your Food" activity area at the bottom of the South Lawn, beside First Lady Obama's Kitchen Garden.

Eight celebrity chefs joined the White House chefs in demo'ing healthy recipes. Mrs. Obama dropped by to cook shrimp and vegetable tacos with NY restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, chef/owner of Red Rooster Harlem, and Today show's Al Roker.

"Off to cook!" Morrison said as she hurried past with the heavy mixer.

DOWNLOAD the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll Program by clicking here; it describes the events and stations on the South Lawn [PDF]. CLICK HERE for all posts about the Roll, including the talent line-up.

*Photo by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

These excited Easter Egg Roll guests traveled from President and Mrs. Obama's hometown of Chicago, Ill to play on the South Lawn. They brought a copy of the local newspaper--the Chicago Tribune--from the President's Inauguration Day, hoping to get an autograph. The guest on the left holds a yellow "B" group ticket to the Roll; guests entered in five groups of 6,000, spending two hours at play in the backyard of The People's House during the largest Roll in White House history. CLICK HERE for all posts about the event.

2012 White House Easter Egg Roll Program

DOWNLOAD the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll Program by clicking here; it describes the events and stations on the South Lawn [PDF]. Above, the map of the South Lawn layout in the program. CLICK HERE for all posts about the Roll, including the talent line-up.

Today: 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll Program And Talent Line-Up

President Obama and First Lady Obama will greet the guests at the 134th annual White House Easter Egg Roll today at 10:30 AM. Though it's not *officially* an Egg Roll until the First Lady appears with the Easter Bunny, guests will already have been playing on the very decorated South Lawn for more than three hours. This year’s theme, “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move!,” spotlights the Let's Move! campaign, focusing "on promoting health and wellness and encouraging children to lead healthy and active lives." The White House will livestream performances and events all day at whitehouse.gov/live.  Follow the action on Twitter with @LetsMove and @ObamaFoodorama with the hashtag #EasterEggRoll. 

There will be celebrity entertainers and celebrity chefs giving cooking demonstrations in the Play With Your Food area, which surrounds the Kitchen Garden and features a mini-farmers market, and fooducation booths. Sports stars leading fitness activities in the Eggtivity Zone, singers will perform on the Rockin' Egg Roll Stage (Janelle Monae, Cody Simpson, Zendaya, China Ann McClain and the McClain Sisters), and A-list actors will read kids books on the Storytime Stage (Julianne Moore, Forest Whitaker, Bella Thorne).

About 35,000 guests will fill the South Lawn for the biggest and longest Roll in White House history, the fourth of the Administration. Tickets have been distributed to guests from all 50 states, and they will attend in 5 different groups of 6,000. They will be allowed to spend two full hours on the South Lawn; the White House has extended the Roll timing "even further than previous years," with a start time of 7:30 AM and an end time of 6:20 PM. Check out the Easter Egg Roll Fact Sheet. [PDF]

From the White House, the official Easter Egg Roll announcement:


The White House announces the program, activities, and talent line-up for the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition in its 134th year.

This year’s theme is “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move!” The theme focuses on promoting health and wellness and encouraging children to lead healthy and active lives. This is a central part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to solve the problem of childhood obesity.

The Easter Egg Roll is the largest annual public event at the White House.

30,000 people from all 50 states and the District of Columbia have received tickets to the event.
For the third year in a row, tickets were distributed online. Members of the public from all over the country had the opportunity to enter an online lottery for a chance to win tickets to the event. Over 200,000 tickets were requested via the online lottery, and guests from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were selected as winners.

The timing for this year’s event has been extended even further than previous years, with a start time of 7:30 AM and an end time of 6:20 PM. 30,000 tickets have been distributed in 5 different groups. Each group of 6,000 guests will be able to spend two full hours on the South Lawn.
The Ellipse will have an entertainment pavilion. Guests are able to enjoy musical acts and games as they prepare to enter the South Lawn. DJs and the official Emcee of the Easter Egg Roll will be on the Ellipse welcoming guests in, spinning music, and getting the guests excited about their two hours on the South Lawn!

The entire Easter Egg Roll event, including all of the headliner music acts and Storytime Stage readers, will be broadcast live on WhiteHouse.gov/live. A full schedule will be posted on the morning of April 25th so people from across the country will be able to participate in the event.
With the “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move!” theme, all of the activities on the South Lawn promote healthy and active living. The activities include obstacle courses, dancing, playing sports with professional athletes, and of course, the traditional egg roll. The full list of events is below:

*An Easter egg hunt & the traditional Easter egg roll

*Rockin’ Egg Roll Stage - Live musical performances for all ages.

*Storytime Stage - Celebrities bring books to life.

*Hop To It! - An instructional dance party on the South Lawn! Get up and go jump rope, hula hoop, dance and more.

*Eggtivity Zone Obstacle Course - A series of obstacles and drills, including soccer, football and baseball obstacle courses.

*Basketball and Tennis- Get hands-on training from basketball and tennis pros on the President’s court!

*Yoga Garden- Come try yoga with professional instructors.

*Eggspress Yourself - An arts and crafts workshop filled with egg dying, egg decorating, face painting and more.

*Play with your Food - Kids’ Kitchen, Make-your-own Garden, Family Farmer’s Market, Buzzing about Bees, and more led by the White House chefs and celebrity guest chefs. This activity center is built around the White House Kitchen Garden.

Talent Line-Up

Janelle Monae, Cody Simpson, Rachel Crow, Sesame Street, Zendaya, China Ann McClain and the McClain Sisters will perform on the Rockin’ Egg Roll Stage. Rachel Crow will sing the National Anthem.

Reading on the Storytime Stage will be Robin Roberts, Julianne Moore, Jeff Kinney from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Etan Thomas, Forest Whitaker and Bella Thorne.

Chefs Andrew Zimmern; Richard Blais; Marcus Samuelsson; Paul Qui; Carla Hall; Pat and Gina Neely; Bryan Voltaggio and the White House Chefs will prepare healthy eating demonstrations in the Play with your Food station.

In the Eggtivity Zone, professional players and coaches from professional sports teams will teach kids how to play sports and show kids easy, fun ways to stay active and fit.

Athletes participating in the Eggtivity Zone include Chanda Rubin and Vania King of the Women’s Tennis Association; Dedreck Etan Thomas, Bruce Bowen and Nick Young of the National Basketball Association; US Olympian gymnast Dominique Dawes; US Olympian figure skater Michelle Kwan; the National Football League’s Brian Orakpo, Ovie Mughelli, Qadry Ismail, Lorenzo Alexander, Derrick Dockery and Antwaan Randle El; Tamika Catchings, Swin Cash, Alana Beard and Crystal Langstrom of the Women’s National Basketball Association; Dr. Jayne Greenberg, Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, Cornell McClellan, Curtis Pride, and Donna Richardson Joyner of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; Angela Hucles, Becky Sauerbrunn and Lori Lindsey of the US Women’s National Soccer Team; Sheanon Williams, Zac MacMath, Ben Olsen, Chris Pontius and Robbie Russell of Major League Soccer; former NBA players Mitch Richmond and Daryll Dawkins and the Harlem Globertrotters’ Herb Lang, Fatima Maddox, Jacob Tucker and Wun Versher, and star trainer of the The Biggest Loser, Bob Harper.

USTA Quick Start Courts will feature tennis greats, Chandra Rubin, Vania King, Katrina Adams, Taylor Dent, Bethanie Mattek-Sand and Christina McHale.

Michael Chang who was the youngest ever male to win a Grand Slam singles title at the age of 17 will also be teaching kids the fundamentals of tennis along with 2010 men's junior US Open champion Jack Sock, former Grand Slam singles champion Andy Roddick and former Number 1 ranked in the world and winner of 18 Grand Slam championships, Chris Evert.

Yoga Garden will feature long-time professional Yoga instructor, Leah Cullis.

The Hop To It Stage offers a variety of interactive dance, sports, and other physical fun, including Choreographer Rosero McCoy and Perry the Platypus/Agent P, Kidtribe , Hip Hop Public, Health with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Chicago Ultimate Tumblers.

Ballou Senior High School Marching Band and Drum Corps will perform on the South Lawn, as well as help guide the visitors on and off of the South Lawn. The United States Marine Corps Band will perform again this year.

DJ Willy WOW! And Little Beat, the #1 Chinchilla! & Washington Sports Club's Zumba Team will perform on the ellipse. The official Emcee of the 2011 White House Easter Egg Roll is Tommy McFly. He will introduce acts on the music stage and get everyone excited about the different Egg Roll activities to make for another wonderful Easter Egg Roll.

This Year’s Costume Characters

Fairy Twinkle Toes – AbraKidabra – Big Green Rabbit – Captain Planet – Bugs Bunny – Daffy Duck

Finn & Jake – Scooby Doo – Alex the Lion from Madagascar 3 – Penguins of Madagascar – Po the Panda Miffy the Bunny – Katsuma and Poppet from Mushi Monsters – Wow Wow Wubbsy

Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street – Arthur – Buddy from Dinosaur Train – Cat in the Hat

Clifford the Big Red Dog – Curious George – Elmo – Hooper from PBS Kids – Martha from Martha Speaks Princess Presto from Super WHY! – Ruff Ruffman from Fetch! – Sid the Science Kid – Super WHY! Wonder Red from Super WHY! – Word Girl – Woofster from Super WHY! – The Smurfs

Charlie Brown and Snoopy – Power Panther – Slapshot and Air Slapshot

George, Tom, Abe and Teddy from the Racing Presidents – Screech – Topspin and Slice

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head – Witzy Duck from Suzy’s Zoo – Power Rangers – Smokey Bear

Babar and Badou – Doki the Dog – Papa, Mama and Junior Bunny – Peter Rabbit – Spot – Maisy Nutbrown Hare – Sponge Bob – Dora the Explorer – Diego – Spider-Man – Iron Man – Thor

Captain America – Yoohoo & Chewoo from Yoohoo and Friends – Alvin and the Chipmunks – Clicky

To learn more about the Easter Egg Roll visit www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll. Tune in for live streams from the South Lawn all day on April 9th, 2012 on WhiteHouse.gov/live. You can also join the conversation online using the hashtag #EasterEggRoll and get the latest updates by visiting Let’s Move! on Twitter and Facebook.
##

*Photo by Chuck Kennedy/White House

First Family Attends Easter Service At St. John's Episcopal Church In Washington, DC

Celebrating with locals at the Festival Holy Eucharist, the Obamas make a second visit to the historic St. John's in less than a month...
On a glorious and sunny Easter morning, the First Family walked from the White House and across Lafayette Square to attend the Festival Holy Eucharist at St. John's Episcopal Church, located at 16th and K Streets. Led by President Obama, they arrived at 11:03 AM for the 11:00 AM service, and there was a big crowd of fellow worshippers gathered at the front of the historic yellow and white church, waiting to get through Secret Service screening at a side entrance. (Above: The First Family walking to the church)

"Happy Easter, everybody," the President told his press pool as he strolled past.

Holding hands with daughter Malia during the short walk from the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama's Easter dress was a bright magenta shift with a black print of cherubs and flowers, designed by Thakoon (Thai-American designer Thakoon Panichgul), topped with a black bolero sweater. Mrs. Obama has worn the dress before, including during her first trip to France with the President in 2009. He was clad in a dark suit and a blue tie, and held daughter Sasha's hand as she walked.

The First Family entered on the opposite side of the church from the waiting congregants, on the H Street side that faces the White House. They have previously worshiped at St. John's, which is known as "The Church of the Presidents" because every Chief Executive has visited since 1816. The First Family attended a service at St. John's for their first Easter in the White House in 2009, and last attended a service on March 18th, 2012. The Obamas have infrequently attended services at Washington, DC's many churches, and have not joined one congregation, preferring to worship in private. St. John's Rector is Rev. Luis Leon.

The Festival Holy Eucharist the First Family attended featured a choral performance that included a Brass and Timpani section. After a sermon on the Resurrection--which included comments on the Yankees and Somalia from the Rector--they took communion with the rest of the congregation. As the First Couple returned to their seats, they smiled and greeted other worshipers around their pew. St. John's reserves Pew 54 as the President's Pew for the use of the Chief Executive when attending services; it has red velvet prayer stools embroidered with presidents' names in gold thread. (Above: The St. John's Easter program; click on the photo to enlarge)

On Good Friday, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted the fourth White House Passover Seder of his Administration. Earlier this week issued his first-ever video message for Passover. On Saturday, the President issued a joint Easter and Passover Greeting for his Weekly Address. On Monday, the President and Mrs. Obama will welcome about 35,000 guests for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The pool report from inside the service:

The Rector, Rev. Dr. Luis Leon, began his sermon by ribbing people about why they turned up for church today: to maintain good political relations with members of their family, to mollify a spouse, and so on.

"This is a very broad church," he said. "We even have people who cheer for the New York Yankees in here."

Rev. Leon noted that at a service last year, he was quoted by a reporter as saying he hated the Yankees. The report made it into New York newspapers, and got him into hot water.

So he tried to be (marginally) more diplomatic this year, noting that the Red Sox were off to a 2-0 start this season, while the Yankees are 0-2.***

"Today, I won't say I hate the Yankees," he said. "But I hope they never win another pennant."

The congregation, inexplicably, laughed.

Rev. Leon went on to dwell on the mystery of Easter and the resurrection, likening it to the global economy, which he also said he did not understand.

"You ruin it if you try to explain it," he said. "It can't be explained."

Other highlights:

Referring to the messy state of the world, he said, "Sometimes I wish I didn't read the newspapers or watch the television news."

But Rev. Leon cited an article in the NY Times, which talked about the renaissance of Mogadishu in Somalia. He said he viewed it as a metaphor for the rebirth of Easter.

"Now you may say, 'they're all Muslim," he said, his voice rising a bit. "But so what? That is evidence of the resurrection."

During the Prayers of the People, as is customary, the congregation offered a prayer for "Barack, our President, the leaders of Congress, and the Supreme Court, and all who are in positions of authority."

POTUS was glimpsed briefly, in a pew on the right side of the center aisle, about six rows back, turning around to shake the hands of other worshipers during the offering of peace.

The President lined up for communion, ahead of First Lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia. As the first couple returned to their seats, they smiled and greeted other worshipers.

According to a person waiting on the sidewalk outside St. John's, a crowd of about 80 people were stranded outside, unable to get in, despite lining up 45 minutes before the service and waiting another 40 minutes after it began.

As the choir sang the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah, the First Family left by a side door. At 12:33, they walked back to the WH -- POTUS holding hands with Malia, FLOTUS with Sasha.
##

Background from the White House:

This morning, the First Family was honored to celebrate Easter Sunday with the congregation of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. The pastor of St. John’s is Rev. Luis Leon.

The President and First Family have enjoyed worshipping with a number of D.C.-area congregations. They have attended services at 19th Street Baptist Church, the Washington National Cathedral, Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, Zion Baptist Church, and multiple services at St. John's Episcopal Church and Evergreen Chapel at Camp David. They most recently attended St. John’s on March 18th, 2012.
##

***Pool was Mark Landler of the New York Times, who by 4:00 PM provided a correction to both the play record and the team the Rector was discussing: It was the Orioles, and the record was 0-2.

*Top photo by AP/Pool; program photo by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

President Obama's Easter And Passover Greeting

President Obama issued a joint Easter and Passover message today for his Weekly Address. Transcript after the jump.

On Friday night, the President hosted the fourth White House Passover Seder of his Administration, and earlier this week issued his first-ever video message for Passover. On Monday, the President and Mrs. Obama will welcome about 35,000 guests for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The transcript:

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
April 7, 2012

For millions of Americans, this weekend is a time to celebrate redemption at God’s hand. Tonight, Jews will gather for a second Seder, where they will retell the story of the Exodus. And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the world as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of His son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning.

These holidays have their roots in miracles that took place thousands of years ago. They connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future. And they remind us of the common thread of humanity that connects us all.

For me, and for countless other Christians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect and rejoice. Yesterday, many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us. Tomorrow, we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.

And throughout these sacred days, we recommit ourselves to following His example. We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors. We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God.

Christ’s triumph over death holds special meaning for Christians. But all of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of His story. The triumph of hope over despair. Of faith over doubt.

The notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves.

These beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. They shape our values and guide our work. They put our lives in perspective.

So to all Christians celebrating the Resurrection with us, Michelle and I want to wish you a blessed and Happy Easter. And to all Americans, I hope you have a weekend filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

###

President Obama Hosts 2012 Passover Seder - UPDATED With Details

Why is this night different from all other nights? President Obama hosts the largest Seder of his Administration...
As Jews everywhere marked the first night of Passover, President Obama hosted the final Seder of his first term in office at 6:30 PM on Good Friday. Joined by First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha in the Old Family Dining Room, the President welcomed 16 guests, who were "friends and staff," according to the White House. The Seder was the President's fourth in the White House, and the largest since he began the tradition in 2009, a carryover from the 2008 campaign trail. The President and First Lady were each seated in the center on opposite sides of the table, as can be seen in the photo, above, released by the White House.

"Led by Jewish members of my staff, we’ll retell the story of the Exodus, listen to our youngest guest ask the four questions, and of course, look forward to a good bowl of matzo ball soup," President Obama said of his Seder plans in his first-ever video message for Passover, released on Thursday.

"The story of that first Exodus has also inspired those who are not Jewish with common hopes, and a common sense of obligation. So this is a very special tradition."

In keeping with Seder tradition, there was a pillow placed on each guest's chair, to symbolize the Israelites reclining in freedom after being released from the bondage of slavery in Egypt.

The President did not wear a yarmulke, nor did his nephew Avery Robinson who was seated between the Obama girls (he's the son of Mrs. Obama's brother Craig Robinson, who was not present). The six other male guests all wore kipot, including former White House videographer Arun Chaudhary, who was seated beside the President. He was one of the original aides who joined Mr. Obama's first Seder in 2008 during the Pennsylvania Primary, when the traditional Passover phrase "Next year in Jerusalem" was replaced with "Next year in the White House." (Above: Avery, center, between Malia and Sasha; Mrs. Obama is at left)

Sasha, age ten, would be the "youngest guest" charged with asking the four questions, the answers of which explain the evening's main question: Why is this night different from all other nights? The President and his guests used the Maxwell House Haggadah for the reading, as they have for each previous Seder. Millions of American Jews have used the beloved plain-text version from the coffee company since it was first released in 1932; it underwent a revision in 2011 to remove "outdated" language and gender-biased terms and (God used to be a "King"; now He is a "Monarch").

The Seder menu...
Of course there was matzo ball soup: There were seven dishes served for at the Presidential Seder. These are typically prepared "kosher style" rather than kosher, aides have said. There were two kinds of matzo on the table: A plate of round, whole wheat matzoh was on one end, and a plate of square matzoh was on the other. Bowls of salt water were on the table, part of the Passover ritual. In the photo the White House released, as the guests dipped their fingers into red Passover wine during the reading, on the plate in front of each was a hard boiled egg, or Beitzah, symbolizing the festival sacrifice that was offered in the temple in Jerusalem, and two "shot glasses," one with Haroset (a sweet mixture of nuts and apples, symbolizing the mortar used by Jewish slaves to build the storehouses in Egypt) and one with horseradish, which many Jews use for the Maror (bitter herbs) that symbolizes the harshness of slavery in Ancient Egypt. (Above: The square matzoh, a bowl of salt water, and a guest's plate with hardboiled egg, haroset, and Maror)

The White House chefs cook with family recipes provided by some of the guests, as well as use dessert recipes created by Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses. Last year's menu included Chicken soup with matzoh balls, braised beef brisket, potato kugel, carrot soufflé, matzoh chocolate cake, and Apricot Sponge Cake.  Because the Seder was closed to press, the White House did not release an official menu, though Press Office aides did make the effort to drag a large step-ladder into the Old Family Dining Room to take the aerial photo of the celebration. The President's guest list was not released, either.  The White House for the first time this year released a Passover recipe; it's for the Apricot Sponge Cake, which Yosses said would be served this year.

Though many Jews really dress up the table for Passover, the Presidential Seder table was very simple. The place settings were atop white linen place mats, and the china was a simple Presidential "house pattern," cream with a gold rim, with the Presidential eagle in the center. Eight tall gold Vermeil candlesticks held lit white tapers, and there were two floral arrangements of ruffled tulips, in variegated orange and yellow, in low gold vases. Two smaller bouquets of the same were on the tall console table behind the Seder table. (Above: One blue china Seder plate, holding the food elements of the Passover ritual, was placed on the table, in front of Mrs. Obama; the round matzo is also visible)

Passover got extra attention from the White House this year: In addition to the President's Passover message and the release of the Seder cake recipe, the White House also hosted a special Passover cooking lesson that was livestreamed, starring Yosses and acclaimed Jewish cooking authority Joan Nathan. Watch the video here; the post includes recipes for Matzoh Chremsel and Pear Haroset. One of Nathan's recipes was also included in the White House Passover Recipe Collection created in 2011, when acclaimed chefs were invited to offer their healthy Seder recipes as part of the Let's Move! campaign.

The President's Passover Message:



The White House on Friday night released the Seder photo at top with the caption "President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host a Passover Seder Dinner for family, staff and friends, in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House, April 6, 2012." Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Photo by Pete Souza/White House.

Updated Saturday, April 7.

President Obama's 2012 Easter Message

The White House today released an Easter Message from President Obama, who will host his fourth annual Passover Seder this evening at 6:30 PM in the Old Family Dining Room. 

"This Sunday, Michelle and I will join Christians across the country and around the world to celebrate Easter and give thanks for the all-important gift of grace," President Obama said.

"Easter is a time to reflect on both Christ’s suffering and ultimate triumph, as the anguish of the cross continues to give way to the victory of resurrection.  So to all those celebrating with us, we extend our warmest Easter greetings and best wishes in the days ahead."

On Thursday, the President issued his first-ever video greeting for Passover.  On Wednesday, the President hosted his third annual Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House. 

Next Monday, April 9th, the President and First Lady will host the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll.  More than 35,000 guests are expected to attend the eggstravaganza on the South Lawn.

Sam Kass Stars In The Spring Issue Of ChopChop

Joined by a gang of kids and Sesame Street's Grover, the Senior Policy Advisor gives a White House cooking lesson...
The White House is loving ChopChop, The Fun Cooking Magazine for Families. The colorful quarterly offers the exact messages about healthy foods and the importance of cooking that First Lady Michelle Obama has spent so much time promoting with the Let's Move! campaign. The Spring issue stars Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass on the cover, and it's the second time a White House chef has been featured.  He's joined in the presidential kitchen by Sesame Street's lovable blue monster Grover and a gang of kids as they create a "Rad Radish Salad" for the cover story.  There's also a fun "co-interview" with Kass and Grover, which kids will love. (The cover, above)

ChopChop is published by the non-profit foundation ChopChopKids, Inc. Sally Sampson, president and founder, calls the magazine, aimed at kids ages 5-14, a "public health initiative," and indeed it is: The project is entirely in service to preventing obesity through teaching skills that were once-upon-a-time a regular part of family life. And though the mission statement is very serious--educating kids to cook and to "be nutritionally literate, empower them to actively participate as health partners with their families and help establish and support better eating habits for a lifetime of good nutrition"--the magazine does it with a big dose of fun.

"Our message is positive – no finger wagging," said Sampson.

She's a James Beard Award-nominated author of 20 cookbooks, and a frequent contributor to America's top food magazines. Sampson notes that parents and kids cooking together not only builds relationships and leads to better health, but it also teaches math, science, and cultural literacy. Each issue of ChopChop contains a wealth of information on cooking and growing food, with detailed instructions in kid-friendly but no condescending text.

And--something that will thrill parents--the magazine is free of advertisements. That means kids aren't staring at glossy promos for junkfood while trying to learn about nutritious foods.

Since the magazine launched in March of 2010, Sampson said that over 3 million copies have been distributed to more than 10,000 pediatricians, children's hospitals, and youth-based community organizations, as well as to schools and to after school programs, food banks, farmers markets, and grocery stores in every state and twelve countries. The Foundation's Advisory Board is made up of prominent child health, nutrition and education experts.

"We are currently in almost 50% of all pediatricians offices in the United States," Sampson said.

The publication is also available through subscription at Chopchopmag.com. It's $14.95 per year.

Kass and Grover...furry fun
During the photo shoot in the White House kitchen, Sampson said she was amazed that the kids featured with Kass and Grover completely ignored the adult puppeteer who was operating Grover, instead speaking to the puppet as if he was a real live being. (Above: Kass and Grover in their "co-interview)

"Just talking away to Grover a mile a minute, as if the puppet man was invisible," Sampson said.

Kass and Grover's co-interview in ChopChop is a perfect example of messaging dressed up in fun:

"I love to snack on healthy fruits and vegetables," Grover says. "Fresh carrots are especially fun since they make a super crunch sound, which perfectly complements my theme of being super."

"I love eating any kind of fruit, especially apples and bananas," Kass says. "I also love nuts: Peanuts, almonds or cashews!"

Kass has hosted a Muppet in the White House kitchen before: He was joined by Elmo for a video introducing healthier school lunch standards. Grover was chosen to join Kass for ChopChop because he's a "cooler" character for older kids, Sampson said, noting that Elmo is most beloved by the kindergarten and pre-school set.

The radish salad recipe was selected to introduce kids to a vegetable they might think twice about trying, and it is billed in the magazine as "a fab salad" that's "a little crunchy, a little spicy, a little sweet, and a lot delicious." Radishes are, of course, grown in the White House Kitchen Garden, and there's a page in the issue devoted to radish facts. It includes instructions for growing them at home in containers. It's a terrific example of the magazine's devotion to every aspect of nutrition literacy, from dirt to dining.

Rad Radish Salad

Ingredients
3 Cups Spring Mix Salad Greens (Green Oak Leaf lettuce, Red Leaf lettuce, Mizuna, Romaine, Spinach)

3-4 radishes, thinly sliced

1 small orange or tangerine, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced

1/2 Cucumber, peeled or washed well, and thinly sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 Tsp salt

Method
1. Put the Spring Mix, radishes, orange or tangerine and cucumber in a large bowl and toss well

2. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt, and toss again

3. Serve right away

*Check out ChopChopmag.com for more from the issue.

*Photos courtesy of ChopChop magazine

President Obama Invites NY Organic Food Entrepreneur To JOBS Act Signing Ceremony

Samantha Abrams of emmy's organics brings vegan macaroons to the White House; a Presidential cookie might be the next project...
One of the small business entrepreneurs invited to the White House on Thursday to join President Obamas for the Rose Garden signing ceremony for the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act was Samantha Abrams, 25, of emmy’s organics in Ithaca, NY. Her wholesale vegan and gluten-free food company, co-founded in 2008 with partner Ian Gaffney, 29, makes coconut macaroons, chocolate sauce and snack foods with certified non-GMO ingredients. Abrams stood at President Obama's elbow as he signed the bill, a measure he has been promoting for months as a crucial way to re-tool the economy. She was also beside House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). (Above: Abrams is on the right beside the President, in blue)

An audience of about 200 watched President Obama use eleven different pens, one for each letter in his name, to make the bipartisan measure into law. It's a centerpiece of his push to boost America's employment rate, and eases regulations so aspiring entrepreneurs can access start-up and investment capital from sources other than banks--including from their fellow citizens, with online investments. Abrams and Gaffney did exactly that in 2010, launching an online donation campaign to crowd-source $15,000 to grow emmy's. They were successful, and caught the attention of the White House; thus the invite to the ceremony.

Gaffney, who stayed at home to "run the ship" while Abrams got to meet the President, said he was thrilled that emmy's is in the White House spotlight. "I cried a little bit," Gaffney said of the moment on Thursday night when he first saw the photo, above, of Abrams with the President in the Roosevelt Room right before the signing ceremony. (Above: Abrams watches as the President shakes hands with entrepreneur John Belizaire, CEO and Co-founder, FirstBest SYSTEMS Inc)

"I thought it was so sweet, and so cute. She was nervous," Gaffney said. "Samantha called right after, and said 'I can't talk long but I just met President Obama!' She was very excited, and whispering, because I don't think she was allowed to use her cell."

President hails bill as "a game changer"...
emmy's is now doing close to $1 million in business, with a large part of it devoted to the macaroons, Gaffney said. During the ceremony, the President hailed the bill as "a game changer" for small businesses such as emmy's, because it will allow for legal, safe crowd funding.

"Because of this bill, start-ups and small business will now have access to a big, new pool of potential investors -- namely, the American people," President Obama said. "For the first time, ordinary Americans will be able to go online and invest in entrepreneurs that they believe in."

The bill will phase in Securities and Exchange Commission regulations over a five-year period that will let smaller companies go public sooner. Firms that have annual gross revenues of less than $1 billion will have “emerging growth company” status. It is designed to help small businesses and high-growth enterprises raise capital more efficiently, and allow small and young firms to expand and hire faster.

"For business owners who want to take their companies to the next level, this bill will make it easier for you to go public," President Obama said.

In the past few months, emmy's sales have risen about 150%, Gaffney said, with the macaroons accounting for 75% of business. The company, started in a home kitchen, now has five employees, and wholesales to between 1,000-1,500 stores, including Whole Foods, GNC, and Hudson foods, the airport vendors.

"There are a lot of smaller mom and pop stores, too," Gaffney said.

Abrams brought macaroons to the White House, and handed them around during a business roundtable with Presidential aides in the Roosevelt Room before the Rose Garden ceremony.

"I don't think she got any to Obama," Gaffney said. "There was lots of security and all."

Gaffney said he's not sure if emmy's will be able to use the bill's resources for the next expansion, but he's happy other entrepreneurs will have an easier time raising money. The duo was not aware that the White House had noticed their 2010 fundraising effort until their online donation page was linked in a post on the White House blog that touted the President's plans for the JOBS Act.

"Wild," Gaffney said. "Totally unexpected."

Abrams' White House visit, he said, was a terrific feather in their bakers' toques, adding that creating a special Presidential macaroon has "crossed my mind."

"The 'Obamaroon' would be fun, huh?" Gaffney said.

The Rose Garden signing ceremony:



*Photos by Pete Souza/White House

President Obama Issues First-Ever Video Message For Passover

From slavery to matzoh ball soup in the White House: President reflects on the meaning of the Exodus, wishes all Chag Sameach...
UPDATE: CLICK HERE for the post about the 2012 Presidential Seder
President Obama will host his fourth annual Passover Seder on Friday night, a tradition that began on the 2008 campaign trail. This year, the Jewish holiday is getting extra attention from the White House, because once again, it is an election year (more than 75% of Jews voted for Mr. Obama in 2008, according to polls). Today, for the first time ever, President Obama--who has routinely issued holiday videos for other faiths--released a video message for Passover, wishing Chag Sameach from the First Family to Jews in America and around the globe.

The President hails the story of the Jewish struggle for freedom as an inspiration for all regardless of race or ethnicity, and says he's looking forward to his own Seder, and enjoying "a good bowl of matzo ball soup." Above, the President gets his matzoh ball soup during the 2011 Seder.



During his message, the President briefly mentions the recent shootings of Jewish citizens in Toulouse, France, and ponders the question of the responsibilities that all citizens have once, like the Israelites, they are freed from bondage. He is proud to share in the Seder tradition, the President says.

"The story of that first Exodus has also inspired those who are not Jewish with common hopes, and a common sense of obligation," President Obama says. "So this is a very special tradition – and it’s one I’m proud to be taking part of tomorrow night, at the fourth annual White House Seder. Led by Jewish members of my staff, we’ll retell the story of the Exodus, listen to our youngest guest ask the four questions, and of course, look forward to a good bowl of matzo ball soup."

The White House's election-year focus on Passover included a special Passover cooking lesson last week that was livestreamed, starring Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses and acclaimed Jewish cooking authority Joan Nathan. Watch the video here; the post includes recipes for Matzoh Chremsel and Pear Haroset. The White House also released another Passover recipe: for White House Passover Apricot Sponge Cake, the first *official* White House recipe that's been released for Passover.

The President and his guests have enjoyed a dinner each year that the White House chefs cooked from recipes provided by guests; last year's menu for a dozen guests included traditional Seder favorites: Chicken soup with matzoh balls, braised beef brisket, potato kugel, carrot soufflé, and matzoh chocolate cake. The President's Seder is "not strictly kosher but kosher style," according to a White House aide. The Maxwell House Haggadah is used for the readings, and this year's guest list will be larger than last year's, when a dozen guests were invited. (Above: The President reads from the Maxwell House Haggadah during the 2010 Seder)

The President's Seder tradition...
The President's Passover video message is today featured in a post on the White House blog, written by Jarrod Bernstein, the Director of Jewish Outreach at the Office of Public Engagement. Bernstein re-explains the now much-told story of the President's Seder tradition.

"By now, the story of how that tradition began has been told and retold, but in the spirit of Passover, I’ll tell it again," Bernstein writes.

"In April of 2008, the President and his staff were on the trail in Pennsylvania in the midst of a long primary campaign. Weary from a long day of work and away from their families, a small group of staffers came together to hold an impromptu Seder. When then-Senator Obama got wind of the Seder, he gathered some other staff and friends and decided to join. At the end of the Seder, the President followed the traditional “Next year in Jerusalem” declaration with a pledge of his own – “Next year in the White House.” Each year since, he has followed through on that promise."

The transcript of the President's Passover message:

I’d like to wish a happy holiday to all those celebrating Passover.

The story of the Exodus is thousands of years old, but it remains as relevant as ever. Throughout our history, there are those who have targeted the Jewish people for harm – a fact we were so painfully reminded of just a few weeks ago in Toulouse. Just as throughout history, there have been those who have sought to oppress others because of their faith, ethnicity or color of their skin.

But tomorrow night, Jews around the world will renew their faith that liberty will ultimately prevail over tyranny. They will give thanks for the blessings of freedom, while remembering those who are still not free. And they will ask one of our life’s most difficult questions: Once we have passed from bondage to liberty, how do we make the most of all that God has given us?

This question may never be resolved, but throughout the years, the search for answers has deepened the Jewish people’s commitment to repairing the world, and inspired American Jews to help make our union more perfect. And the story of that first Exodus has also inspired those who are not Jewish with common hopes, and a common sense of obligation.

So this is a very special tradition – and it’s one I’m proud to be taking part of tomorrow night, at the fourth annual White House Seder. Led by Jewish members of my staff, we’ll retell the story of the Exodus, listen to our youngest guest ask the four questions, and of course, look forward to a good bowl of matzo ball soup.

Michelle and I are proud to celebrate with friends here at home and around the world, including those in the State of Israel.

So on behalf of the entire Obama family, Chag Sameach.

###

*Photos by Pete Souza/White House. The Presidential Seders are held in the old Family Dining Room.

First Lady Michelle Obama Pays Easter Visit To Military Families At Walter Reed Fisher House

Holiday treats: Mrs. Obama delivers cookies from the White House Pastry Shop, and tickets to the Easter Egg Roll...
First Lady Michelle Obama doubled as the Easter Bunny on Wednesday afternoon, delivering cookies from the White House Pastry Shop and a couple of fun surprises to the military families living at Fisher House #4 on the campus of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Clad in a pastel yellow cardigan and a floral shirt, Mrs. Obama was celebrating both Easter and April's Month of the Military Child. (Above: Mrs. Obama receives Easter cards from the kids)

“It is always one of my favorite things to come visit Fisher House,” Mrs. Obama told the group of about 45 recovering service members, their spouses and children. “This house is a home away from home to so many of our military families. The work they do here is amazing. Every single house that I have visited is just like this -- the level of quality, the level of comfort, the staff is always is amazing."

The First Lady was joined by Deanie Dempsey, wife of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey as she participated in an Easter-themed craft session with the kids, who are living with their families at the residential house while a loved one receives specialized medical treatment. Mrs. Obama also brought a family member with her to spread holiday cheer.

"I brought one of my best friends in the whole world, my only son," Mrs. Obama said, pointing to First Dog Bo. An attempt to put pink silk bunny ears on Bo's head caused a lot of laughs. The First Lady had another treat for the families, too: Tickets to next Monday's White House Easter Egg Roll.  (At left: Bo looks up while his mistress holds the bunny ears)

"You guys are all invited to the White House," Mrs. Obama said. "It's going to be so much fun....We've got hula-hooping, and we've got tennis, and we've got games. So come ready to play, okay?"

Mrs. Obama brought Bo around to visit with kids and family members at each of five craft tables, and every child gave her a handmade Easter card. Before leaving, the First Lady autographed copies of President Obama's childrens book, Of Thee I Sing. (Above: Mrs. Obama hands a book to Darnell Jones of Baton Rouge, La)

The Walter Reed Fisher House is just one of the many donated by The Fisher House Foundation, which builds homes built on the grounds of major military and Veterans Affairs Department medical centers. These are designed to give family members a comfortable place to stay to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease or injury. President Obama donated part of his Novel Prize money to the Fisher House Foundation.

“Our military families, our troops -- you all deserve this kind of high-level treatment for what you go through for this country, for what you sacrifice,” Mrs. Obama said.

After the Easter fun, Mrs. Obama visited with Wounded Warriors being cared for at the Medical Center, in an outing that was closed to press. Earlier in the day, she held a conference call to announce a new jobs project for military spouses, with 11 companies committing to creating 15,000 jobs. on.

Mrs. Obama embarks on a two-day tour on April 11 and 12 to celebrate the one-year-anniversary of her Joining Forces campaign to support and honor military families.

Photos by AP/pool.

First Lady, Dr. Biden To Celebrate Joining Forces Anniversary With Tour, 'Colbert Report'

Tours is April 11 & 12, with stops in Pennsylvania, Louisiana & Florida...
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will mark the first anniversary of the Joining Forces campaign next week on April 11 and 12, with multiple events during a two-day tour that includes stops in battleground states. After kicking the celebration off at the White House on April 11, the First and Second Ladies will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Jacksonville, Florida for large-scale events. Both have traveled the US since launching the campaign. (Above: Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden during a Pentagon meeting on jobs)

Mrs. Obama will also travel to New York City on April 11 for an appearance on The Colbert Report. Host Stephen Colbert "has shown strong support for our troops," according to the East Wing. Mrs. Obama last appeared on the show during the 2008 campaign.

Mrs. Obama marked the two-year anniversary of the Let's Move! campaign in February, with eight events in four states, including four stops in Florida.

The news release from the East Wing:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
_________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2012

First Lady Michelle Obama & Dr. Jill Biden to Celebrate First Anniversary of Joining Forces

April 11th and 12th visits include White House kick off; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Jacksonville, Florida

WASHINGTON – On April 11, 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will kick off a two-day tour celebrating the first anniversary of Joining Forces, their initiative to recognize, honor and serve military families. Since launching Joining Forces on April 12th, 2011, significant progress has been made to rally Americans around military families. Communities, businesses, schools, faith groups, non-profit organizations and individual Americans have made substantial commitments to show military families the support that they deserve. Through collaborative efforts with Joining Forces, these groups have helped thousands of veterans and military families find jobs, improved educational opportunities for military children, supported our nation’s wounded warriors and their caregivers, and honored our nation’s fallen. The Joining Forces two-day tour will highlight examples of organizations and companies that have made significant commitments to support military families.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden created Joining Forces to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives. The initiative aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of society to ensure veterans and military families have the support they have earned. The initiative focuses on key priority areas – employment, education, and wellness -- while raising awareness about the service, sacrifice, and needs of America’s veterans and military families. More information is available at: www.JoiningForces.gov.

The First Lady and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces tour schedule is below:

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

White House * 11:00 AM ET * Anniversary Celebration

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will kick off a celebration for military families and organization leaders that have played key roles in supporting our nation’s troops, veterans and families. Finalists of the Joining Forces Community Challenge will be the celebration’s special guests. Late last year, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden launched the Challenge to recognize and celebrate citizens, communities, and organizations who have demonstrated a deep commitment to service by improving the lives of military families and veterans. Hundreds of submissions were received and twenty finalists who found innovative ways to show their gratitude and support at the local level were chosen. These twenty finalists will travel from across the country to be honored at the White House. The finalists will be joined by the Challenge’s notable judges, Tom Brokaw – who will deliver opening remarks, J.R. Martinez, San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, USO President Sloan Gibson and Deanie Dempsey, wife of General Martin Dempsey.

The Missouri Air National Guard's 571st Air Force Band “Sidewinder” will perform at the event. Last year, a fan’s video of the band performing at an airbase in Southwest Asia went viral on YouTube and garnered national attention.

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia * 2:15 PM ET* Nurses Nationwide Join Forces to Support Veterans and Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will announce a major initiative by more than 150 of America’s leading nursing organizations and more than 450 nursing schools in 50 states and territories to ensure our nation’s nurses are prepared to help meet the unique health needs of service members, veterans, and their families. Nursing leaders have committed to educating current and future nurses on how to recognize and care for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other combat-related issues. Collectively, this effort will reach over three million nurses in nearly every health care setting and every community in America.

New York City * The Colbert Report

First Lady Michelle Obama will appear on The Colbert Report to discuss her Joining Forces initiative. Host Stephen Colbert has shown strong support for our troops, including bringing his show to Iraq, broadcasting special episodes to honor returning troops, performing at numerous USO events and getting a military-style hair cut to show his solidarity with those in uniform. Military families of troops deployed to Afghanistan will be a part of the audience.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Shreveport, Louisiana * 1:15 PM CT / 2:15 PM ET * Announcing Joining Forces’ 50,000th Hire

Last August, President Obama announced a series of policies to increase veterans’ employment and asked the First Lady and Dr. Biden to lead an effort through Joining Forces to challenge the private sector to hire or train 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. Well on track to exceed this goal, First Lady Michelle Obama will travel to Shreveport, Louisiana, to announce the 50,000th veteran or military spouse to have been hired by a company through the Joining Forces initiative. Mrs. Obama will visit the Kansas City Southern Railway Company, which has aggressively hired veterans in the last year because of the unique skill set that they bring to the job.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida * 6:00 PM ET * Honoring Young Women from Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama will invite young women from military families to a celebration honoring their service to our nation as members of a military family. Mrs. Obama will deliver remarks to the high school junior and senior girls and their parents and reveal surprise guests who she invited for this special occasion.

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