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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (AP) -- Barack Obama is touting volunteerism during a visit to Colorado today.

Obama is calling on Americans to reflect on the 4th of July that loving their country isn't just about fireworks.

His solution is a major proposed expansion of government national service programs that would cost 3.5 billion dollars a year. His campaign says he'll fund the spending with some of the savings from ending the war in Iraq, and by canceling a new corporate tax break.

Obama spoke in Colorado Springs this morning.

He's proposing the creation of a "Green Vet Initiative." It would offer counseling, job placement and mediation with industry for veterans wanting to enter the rapidly expanding renewable energy field.

The Democrat is also proposing an expansion of the all-volunteer military, AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.

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