Obama thanks military at July Fourth celebration

President Barack Obama speaks from the the Balcony of the White House as he and first lady Michelle Obama start an Independence Day celebration with a barbecue, concert and a view of fireworks, Wednesday, July 4, 2012, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. / AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari

(AP) WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is marking the Fourth of July by thanking service members and their families, who he said "represent what is best in America."

The president, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, hosted a barbecue and concert Wednesday for the families on the White House South Lawn.

Obama saluted "this generation of heroes" for their service and sacrifice to defend American freedoms, specifically thanking them for bringing Osama bin Laden to justice and working to get out of Afghanistan.

He said the nation "will always be there for you, just as you've been there for us." He said it was his promise, and America's promise.

Afterward, the Obamas shook hands and posed for pictures with eager visitors. The U.S. Marine Band and country singer Brad Paisley performed.

[UForgotPoland]

"Thanks troops for fighting in this endless and pointless war that I don't have the balls to withdraw from"- Obama.

[RollotheNorman]

An endless and pointless war started by Dubya, supported strongly by other RepubliCONs, which Obama did have the balls to withdraw from as promised, against the howls of RepubliCONs. How soon RepubliCONs want to revise history, the inks hardly dry.

[CutEverythingNow]

Hello everyone. I would like to say before you set your vote in stone, please research each candidate to see what they have done before running for office. Find out what has made the "person" what they are now. Look into their background. Who did they follow and mentor prior to office. That's all.
Please do remember that no party has been looking out for us for a very long time, so I would like to add: DON'T VOTE FOR INCUMBENTS,get new blood until they start listening to us again.

[realist2010]

You forgot to mention to do all your research on Fox News where they will write the news you want to see.

[HAMARABI]

The problem in America is not Republican vesus Democrat. It is the simple fact that both take money while in office from powerful, financial, private interests. This corrupts everything we stand for, everything the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of The United States of America stands for. End this practice and we return to democracy.

[andrewjsacks]

Good man. You have my vote.

[HAMARABI]

The problem in America is not Republican vesus Democrat. It is the simple fact that both take money while in office from powerful, financial, private interests. This corrupts everything we stand for, everything the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of The United States of America stands for. End this practice and we return to democracy.

[Threewarriors]

Enjoy it as your last as Commander in Chief.

[ludvig1-2009]

There sure are a lot of haters out there in the Repuglican party. Go Obama, kick Repuglican butt.

[HAMARABI]

The problem in America is not Republican vesus Democrat. It is the simple fact that both take money while in office from powerful, financial, private interests. This corrupts everything we stand for, everything the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of The United States of America stands for. End this practice and we return to democracy.