David joined other elected officials and dignitaries, community members, and living decedents of the slaves of President George Washington to pay tribute Saturday to African American’s who have served in the U.S. military as part of the 25th Anniversary Slave Memorial Commemoration at Mount Vernon. Organized by Black Women United for Action and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, the ceremonies included musical performances by the Virginia State University choir, the unveiling of a an art piece by Jorge Burtin commissioned for the occasion, and a wreath laying ceremony at the site of the Mount Vernon Slave Burial Site and Slave Memorial.

“What a moving tribute to the enslaved men and women who helped build America in the early years of our country, and to their brave decedents who fought for freedom they themselves did not have,” said David. “It reminds us not only how far we have come, but how much farther we have to go.”

More than three dozen grassroots volunteers joined Team Englin yesterday for an evening reaching out to thousands of voters at their doors, on the phone, and in the mail to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

“I hope you each realize what a difference you’re making to the future of our country,” said David. “Every door you knock on, every phone call you make, every envelope you stuff moves us one step closer to the winning margin for Virginia’s 13 electoral votes, and if we win Virginia, Barack Obama will be our next president. It’s inspiring to have friends like you are are willing to take the future into your own hands.”

David noted that that the electoral college means a presidential election is really 50 statewide elections (plus one city-wide election for DC). In 2006, Jim Webb won Virginia by about 9,000 votes, and in 2005 the Democratic candidate for attorney general lost statewide by 323 votes.

Join us next Wednesday, October 1 for our annual constituent cookout as well as another Volunteer Night. RSVP to gro.nilgnedivadnull@ofni or 703-549-3203.

With just 44 days until the polls close, we need your help to close the deal, deliver Virginia’s 13 electoral votes, and make Barack Obama the next President of the United States.  Please join us to knock on doors, make phone calls, stuff envelopes, and do the neighbor-to-neighbor grassroots campaigning that wins elections — especially close elections.

Can you please join us for Volunteer Night this Wednesday, September 24, 6-9 p.m. at the Englin home (1505 Wayne Street, Alexandria) to knock on doors, make phone calls, and stuff envelopes?

• Next Wednesday, October 1, there are two opportunities to help:
  We have another Volunteer Night from 6-9 p.m. to knock on doors, make phone calls, and stuff envelopes.
• At our annual Team Englin Community Outreach Cookout from 5-8 p.m. in the Berg (Tancil Court courtyard, Alexandria), we’ll cook burgers and hotdogs, register voters, knock on doors, and connect with families in the neighborhood.

We’re working hand-in-hand with the Obama campaign, and we need you.  Please RSVP to gro.nilgnedivadnull@ofni or 703-549-3203.

David, Shayna, and Caleb stopped by the Family Fun Day hosted by the Center for Alexandria’s Children at John Adams Elementary School today to enjoy the festivities and to congratulate the Center on its success.

“You’re not here to listen to a bunch of politicians, but I want to congratulate the Center for Alexandria’s Children on all of its success,” said David, who was asked to address the crowd.  “When we do right by our children, we do right by our entire community.”

The Center for Alexandria’s Children protects children and strengthens families by coordinating the investigation, prosecution, treatment and prevention of child abuse in one safe, child-friendly facility.  Click here for more information.

Starting this morning with the dedication of the new Pentagon Memorial, communities throughout Northern Virginia marked the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.  David joined officials, citizens, and members of the Alexandria Fire Department, Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office in Market Square at noon for the City of Alexandria’s ceremony honoring the victims and heroes of Sept. 11, 2001.

“As we reflect on that day seven years ago, let us honor and remember the dedicated service of those who died, the sacrifices of the families they left behind, the heroism of the first responders who saved so many lives that day, and the courage of the men and women of our Armed Forces who continue to put themselves in harms way to protect us,” said David, who was an Air Force officer on duty inside the Pentagon when it was attacked.

What an amazing turnout!  64 people came through David and Shayna’s home this evening, all devoted to the future of our country.  Together, Team Englin knocked on hundreds of doors, made more than 2,000 phone calls, and got out 1,500 pieces of mail, bringing Barack Obama’s message of change and hope to voters throughout Alexandria and beyond.

“It’s so incredibly inspiring that we are coming together and responding to the McCain/Palin/Bush/Rove attack machine by pouring our time and energy into this grassroots movement for change,” said David, thanking the volunteers.  “When President Obama takes the oath of office on January 20, 2009, it will be because of people like you and nights like tonight.”

Join us for another Volunteer Night on September 24, and do your part tomorrow and this weekend too:

Wednesday:
Help “welcome” John McCain and Sarah Palin and show them that Northern Virginia is Obama Country tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7:30 a.m. at the Safeway at Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center, 10350 Willard Way, Fairfax, VA 22030.  (Details here: http://fairfaxdemocrats.org/?p=346)

This Weekend (and every weekend):
Come and knock on doors for Barack and Joe this weekend!  Beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., leaving from the Obama Campaign Office at 1307 King St (near the King St Metro).  Contact 703-786-0035 or moc.amabokcarabnull@ainigriv.

John McCain has abandoned his pledge to run a respectful campaign focused on issues. Speakers at the Democratic convention challenged McCain firmly on the issues but showed respect for his character. At the Republican convention, speaker after speaker launched blistering personal attacks on Barack Obama, including a number of outright lies. David couldn’t stand by and let these attacks go unanswered, so he has pulled together some information we hope you will share with your friends, family, and co-workers: http://www.davidenglin.org/truth

We have just 60 days to fight back, so can you please join us this Tuesday, September 9, 6-9 p.m. at David and Shayna’s home to help us reach out to every possible voter?

This morning, we re-activated all eight phone lines at Team Englin HQ. We’ll still have plenty of mail to stuff, but the truth is that person-to-person contact — either knocking on doors or on the phone — is the absolute most effective way to win any election. We’re working hand-in-hand with the Obama campaign, and we need you. Please reply to this note to let us know you’re coming, or call us at 703-549-3203.

The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) of Alexandria is now accepting applications for its third program year of training parents — or grandparents or guardians — to participate more fully in community and school life for the betterment of their children.  The deadline for applying is Sept. 30.

“PLTI is an important program that strengthens our community by helping parents become more effective advocates for their children,” said David.  “We should all be proud of PLTI’s success.”

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