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Obama celebrates military on Independence Day

by Ben Kamisar - 07/04/15 6:00 AM ET

President Obama wished Americans a happy Independence Day and praised the nation’s troops with his weekly address Saturday morning.

“We remember … that this is the day when, 239 years ago, our founding patriots declared our independence, proclaiming that all of us are created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Obama said.

{mosads}“But our allegiance to this declaration – this idea – is the creed that binds us together. It’s what, out of many, makes us one.”

Obama noted that he invited hundreds of members of the military and their families to his White House barbecue, and added that they’ll also be celebrating the birthday of his daughter, Malia.

He praised the sacrifice of activists and soldiers who helped write America’s history.

“Folks have fought, marched, protested, even died for that endeavor, proving that as Americans, our destiny is not written for us, but by us,” he said.

“We honor those heroes today. We honor everyone who continually strives to make this country a better, stronger, more inclusive, and more hopeful place.”

Tags Barack Obama