SIMMONS: Volunteerism’s virtue? It’s nonpartisan

ANALYSIS/OPINION:

The lineups of the pomp and pageantry of the parades and galas that mark the presidential inauguration have been reported, and people from all walks of life and corners of the world are readying for the occasion — and that’s a good thing because it’s what we do to honor our unique republican roots and our democratic resilience.

In the meantime, let’s not forget another all-American cornerstone: service and aid to others.

Don’t give it a second thought.

These are troubling times for many, and sometimes all they need is the occasional helping hand.

We need to walk with the wind, to paraphrase Rep. John Lewis, Georgia Democrat, and pitch in like “a thousand points of light,” to borrow a few inaugural address words from former President George H.W. Bush, a Republican.

Sure, we can’t wait to see representatives from our states and various organizations, including military regiments and schools, in the ceremonial marches along America’s Main Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and we might be dying to see what first lady Michelle Obama wears during the swearing-in ceremonies and two official presidential balls.

And know what?

You might even be among those who do not live in Washington but anxiously await performances by Marc Anthony, James Taylor and Smokey Robinson.

But let’s also remember that reaching out and supporting others are now integral parts of inaugural festivities.

How and where you serve doesn’t matter.

Just serve.

If you happen to be in the D.C. metro area during inaugural weekend, you can pop over Saturday morning to Anacostia, where participants for the 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace and Freedom Walk will begin assembling at 8:30.

If you’re undecided, lots of options are available at the Mall on the same day, when dozens of organizations representing a broad range of initiatives, including faith-based and armed services programs, will guide you on volunteering.

If that’s too local, and you want to know what’s happening in your state, visit serve.gov, a clearinghouse that not only promotes giving back, but allows you to search for a specific area of interest by ZIP code.

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