NATIONAL SERVICE:

Patriotism wears no political label. In service to others, there are no Republicans and there are no Democrats - there are only Americans.

America is based on simple principles: everyone should have the same opportunity to get ahead, and everyone has a responsibility to give something back. Since September 11, Americans have been searching for ways to contribute to our country.

I believe that even as we fight to build an America stronger at home and safer in the world, we should all take heed of what Robert Kennedy once said: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

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10/19/07 Kerry calls for an increase in funding to investigate firefighter deaths 02/05/07 Kerry asks HHS to investigate claims of a cover-up at the CDC 05/21/06 John Kerry on President Bush’s Plan to Put National Guard Troops on the Border 02/03/06 Kerry, Hagel, Reed, Lieberman Call on President Bush to Increase Strength of Military; Reject Proposals to Cut Uniformed Forces 01/31/06 John Kerry Responds to State of the Union Address

I support existing programs that offer avenues for senior volunteer service and they will support innovative new models that create even more opportunities for seniors to serve their communities. When seniors spend time tutoring they free up over-strained teachers to teach, and children get extra help learning. And older Americans can help other seniors in ways no other Americans can.

I believe in tapping into the idealism and ingenuity of our national spirit and call on all Americans to work together to build a stronger America.