Happy birthday, President Obama!

In honor of President Obama's birthday today, Mrs. Obama has a special message to share:

On the last full day of his presidency, Barack wrote a letter to the American people. In closing, he wrote:

"I've seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I've seen our future unfolding."

Daily acts of citizenship. For Barack—and for me—that’s about as American as it gets.

Today is Barack’s birthday, and this year, I want to do something a little different for him.

I don’t have a card for you to sign. Instead, I have something that I know would mean even more to Barack than your well-wishes (and that’s saying something):

I’m asking you to share with Barack, right now, how you’re stepping up to be a better citizen in your community. I’m asking you to share your own “daily act of citizenship.”

Maybe that means attending a town or city council meeting. Maybe it means contacting one of your elected officials and speaking out about an issue that matters to you. Maybe it means helping to clean up a local park, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or tutoring in an after-school program.

This work—these personal, local, daily acts of citizenship—is what the Obama Foundation is all about.

This work is what my husband is all about.

It continues to be the honor of our lives to work alongside you. Thank you so much for everything you do.

-Michelle