Obama's day: Honoring George H.W. Bush

David Jackson | USA TODAY

President Obama will spend part of Monday paying tribute to one of his Republican predecessors.

The president and first lady Michelle Obama welcome ex-president George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush to a White House ceremony to recognize the Points of Light volunteer program.

"Points of Light — the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service — mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world and recognizes individuals who are making a difference through service and volunteerism," the White House schedule says.

The first President Bush established the program in 1989.

While honoring Bush, President Obama plans to announce the creation of a federal task force "to identify additional ways that the public and private sectors can partner together to support national service as a strategy for tackling national priorities."

Monday's ceremony at the White House includes recipients of the 5,000th Daily Point of Light Award: Floyd Hammer and Kathy Hamilton, a retired couple of farm owners from Union, Iowa, whose non-profit organization delivers free meals to children suffering from hunger in more than 15 countries, including the USA.

The Obamas will have lunch with the Bushes and members of their family.

Bush's visit comes two weeks after Obama met with former president George W. Bush during a trip to Africa.



