President Barack Obama honored the military families on the south lawn of the White House on Thursday, continuing a tradition of honoring the country's armed forces on Independence Day, as reported by USA Today.
In his holiday radio address, the president said that the men and women of the military continue to play a "vital role in the story of our nation. People in scattered corners of the world are living in peace today, free to write their own futures, because of you. We are grateful for your service and your sacrifice, especially those still serving in harm's way and your families here at home."
Obama said that in addition to enjoying food, music and some games, his military guests will also watch the annual the annual fireworks show in D.C. from the White House lawn. He also gave a prerecorded speech for soldiers at Bagram airbase, north of Kabul.
"All of you represent what is best in America," Obama said. His July 4th picnic for military families has been a tradition throughout his tenure as president.
"As long as I have the honor of being your commander in chief," Obama said, "I want you all -- our men and women in uniform, our veterans and their families -- to know this: America will always remember."
"The tradition of welcoming members of the public to the White House on the Fourth of July goes back to actual author of the Declaration of Independence: President Thomas Jefferson hosted a holiday reception at the executive mansion in 1801," USA Today reported in a column on Thursday.
