Obamas Celebrate 4th of July At White House

President calls for return to fundamental American principles during barbecue honoring military service members & their families
For their second White House Independence Day celebration, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed about 1,200 military service members and their families to the South Lawn on Sunday afternoon for a special barbecue. The vast "backyard" was decked out in red, white and blue bunting, balloons, and paper lanterns, and the festivities were "guarded" by two giant-sized Uncle Sam figures. The menu was All American, too, and featured classic picnic foods.

"On behalf of Michelle and myself and the girls and Bo, welcome to the White House, and Happy Fourth of July!" President Obama said, flanked by Mrs. Obama and military service members, during his formal remarks from the balcony of the North Portico, at 7:00 PM (above).

"Michelle and I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate America's birthday than with America's extraordinary men and women in uniform, and their families," The President added.

All five branches of the military service were represented, and the mood was festive. There was face painting for the kids, and balls and hula hoops to play with. Another giant Uncle Sam--this one alive, and on huge stilts--strode among the visitors.

*Watch videos of the President's remarks, and the White House view of the National Capitol fireworks display here. Mrs. Obama's special July 4 message is here.

"The President's Own" Marine Corps Band, clad in bright red coats and white pants, entertained with a bevy of traditional favorites.

Guests dined on Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Grilled Chicken, Roasted Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, and, in keeping with Mrs. Obama's healthy eating initiative, Kitchen Greens Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. Dessert was Ice Cream Sandwiches. Beer and wine were served at special beverage stations, as well as soft drinks.

Tables were covered with red and blue tablecloths, and had centerpieces of red and white flowers, in vases that were red, white and blue.

As the President and Mrs. Obama welcomed their guests, the President's remarks, more than ten minutes long, were equal parts fun and serious. He noted that due to the sweltering heat, he and Mrs. Obama had advised the troops not to come in uniform. But the President pointed out one fellow, a corporal, who was attired in a dark suit.

"I said man, you must be hot," President Obama said. "And he said, I'm sorry sir, I know you're my Commander In Chief, but my grandmother said I had to dress up."

"You can't argue with Grandma," President Obama said, to laughter.

A service member from each branch of the military joined the President and Mrs. Obama on the balcony, and the President praised them individually for heroism, which generated big cheers from the crowd. Senior military officials in attendance also received special notice.

"I want to acknowledge that my Vice President Joe Biden and his wonderful wife, Jill Biden, aren't with us because they're spending the Fourth of July with our troops in Iraq," President Obama said. "And I would add, that because of the honor and heroism of our troops, we are poised to end our combat mission in Iraq this summer, on schedule. That's thanks to so many of you." There were more cheers from the crowd. (Above: One of the huge Uncle Sam figures that watched over the picnic)

Earlier in the day, the White House released a special video message from Mrs. Obama, challenging all Americans to support members of the military and their families, and the President reiterated the call to action.

“This is the spirit of which Adams spoke so long ago: You are the men and women who toil to defend these states. You are patriots, and you have earned your place among the greatest generations," President Obama said. "Let us ensure our troops always have the support to succeed in the missions we ask of them, and that includes public support here at home.”

As he called the Declaration of Independence more than words on an aged parchment, President Obama closed by urging all Americans to live the principles that founded the nation, as well as celebrate them.

"This is the day when we celebrate the very essence of America and the spirit that has defined us as a people and as a nation for more than two centuries," President Obama said. "We celebrate the principles that are timeless, tenets first declared by men of property and wealth but which gave rise to what Lincoln called a new birth of freedom in America — civil rights and voting rights, workers' rights and women's rights, and the rights of every American."

"And on this day that is uniquely American we are reminded that our Declaration, our example, made us a beacon to the world."

The event was capped with "Salute To The Military," a special USO concert featuring Cedric The Entertainer, and headlined by Las Vegas rock band The Killers, who played some of their chart topping hits, including "Somebody Told Me" and "Spaceman." (Above: The Killers play the South Lawn)

Lead singer Brandon Flowers called it a "monumental honor" to be asked to play at the White House for service men and women and their families.

Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, of Seattle, played an acoustic set, and noted that she was very nervous--and that her mother, watching the White House livestream of the event at home, was nervous, too. The music could be heard by the crowds outside the White House, awaiting the fireworks display on the National Mall; on the White House grounds, music from the concert on the National Mall drifted in.

Members of the administration and their families joined the party at the White House for the concert and the fireworks display. (Above: The view of the fireworks from the White House)

A birthday e-mail from the President...
July 4 is also Malia Obama's birthday; she turned 12 today. But neither Malia nor Sasha, who turned 9 on June 10, joined their parents on the balcony at the barbecue, and President Obama didn't mention Malia's birthday in his formal remarks, as he did during last year's barbecue. But in a special e-mail message sent out by MyBarackObama.com, the President wrote:

The Fourth of July is especially dear to my family. For us, it is not just our nation's birthday. It is the day Michelle and I became parents 12 years ago. And every year we enjoy watching the fireworks with Malia on her birthday. As we celebrate the profound pride of being American, today is a time to honor the women and men in our armed forces, whose immeasurable bravery and sacrifice have made our country what it is today.

The e mail includes the video with Mrs. Obama's special July 4 message in support of military service members and their families.

A White House video recap:



Below: President and Mrs. Obama watch as The President's Own Marine Corps Band performs.

*Photos: Top photo and fireworks by Pete Souza; second and third via Getty; others by Reuters.