McCain to speak at Sept. 11 forum on volunteerism

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential hopeful John McCain will speak about the need for public service at a national forum on that topic being held in New York on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

ServiceNation, a coalition of more than 100 service groups, including AARP and United Way of America, said Sunday that McCain has agreed to attend the two-day forum on "A Nation of Service." Democrat Barack Obama has also been invited to participate.

"The summit will be an important remembrance of those that made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country and others as we focus on how to inspire others to serve causes greater than their own self-interest through national and community service," said McCain, R-Ariz., a Vietnam War veteran.

The forum is part of a one-year campaign by ServiceNation to promote volunteerism by creating target groups such as an Education Corps or a Green/Clean Energy Corps. Its goal is to have 100 million citizens volunteer in schools, workplaces and faith-based and community institutions each year.

Also scheduled to speak are New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has created a cabinet post dedicated to service and volunteering.