The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
President Obama welcomes servicemembers and their families to the White House on Independence Day.
Brad Paisley performs on the South Lawn of the White House, July 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
Last night, the White House threw a party for more than 1,200 military service members and their families to celebrate the Fourth of July.
President Obama welcomed the crowd to the South Lawn, saying:
[As] long as I have the honor of being your Commander-in-Chief, I want you all -- our men and women in uniform, our veterans and their families -- to know this: America will always remember. We will always be there for you, just as you’ve been there for us. That’s my promise. That is America’s promise. And that is one that we pledge to fulfill on this Independence Day.
The event, organized by the USO, featured a performance by country music star Brad Paisley.
A crowd watches the end of Brad Paisley's performance on the South Lawn of the White House as fireworks erupt over the National Mall, July 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
As Paisley and his band finished their final song ("Welcome to the Future"), fireworks began over the National Mall. Check it out here:
Learn more
- President Obama also marked Independence Day at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members.
- Brad Paisley previously visited the White House in 2009. Watch him sing, "Welcome to the Future."
- Check out other great performances here .
