From the White House south balcony, draped in bunting of red, white and blue, Commander-in-Chief Barack Obama and his wife Michelle kicked off the annual Fourth of July White House barbecue by saying thank you to more than 1,200 military personnel and their families. “I cannot think of anybody I’d rather celebrate with than all of you: the men and women of our military and our extraordinary military families,” Obama said.
“After all that you do for our country every day, we wanted to give you guys a chance to get out of the uniform, relax a little bit and have some fun.”
This is the third consecutive year that Obama has opened the annual South Lawn Fourth of July barbecue to military service members and their families.
The Fourth of July, Obama said, is not only a time to gather and celebrate but it’s also “a time for us to reflect on the meaning of America. … A nation that has lead revolutions in commerce, that sent a man to the moon, that lifted up the poor, that cured the sick, a nation that fought for democracy and served as a beacon of hope around the world. But all this could only happen because of our founders central faith that through democracy and individual rights ordinary people have it within their means to forge a nation that is more just and more equal and more free.”
And Obama promised the crowd that “as long as I have the privilege of serving as your Commander in Chief, I’m going to make sure that you have the support that you need in the field. I’m going to make sure you get the care you deserve when you come home. And, with the help of Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden, we will make sure that America takes care of your families.”
Obama was referring to the latest internet project by Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden called JoiningForces.gov, a website designed to bring help to struggling military families.
“You’re the reason why America and our armed forces remain the greatest force for peace and security the world has ever known,” he said. “This day is possible because of your service.”
Dressed casually, in a dark golf-style shirt and khaki colored chinos, Obama worked a rope line, shaking hands, repeatedly saying “thank you” and “God bless you,” and posing for pictures with small children.
“Good to see you buddy,” Obama said to a toddler who was dressed in a madras shirt and had an American flag painted on his right cheek.
“Having fun? Have enough to eat?” he asked two other boys.
One man called out “Chicago!” Obama replied, “White Sox or Cubs?” “Cubs!” came the reply. “Oh, I don’t know man!” Obama said, quickly followed by “I appreciate your service. Thank you!”
This year’s celebration will also include a concert by rockers Train and singer/songwriter Amos Lee, and, as is custom, a prime view of the national capital fireworks display for the country’s 235th birthday – that is if the rain holds off.
