U.S. President Barack Obama thanked the US military service members during a barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington as the nation celebrated its independence on July 4th, with a national holiday.

Military service members attending the White House Independence Day celebration represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have served the United States with honor and sacrificed much to protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy, President Barack Obama said.

“I cannot think of anybody I would rather celebrate with than all of you. The men and women of our military and our extraordinary military families,” the president said.

Families of U.S. servicemen and women attend an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington
Families of U.S. servicemen and women attend an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington Reuters
U.S. President Barack Obama addresses an Independence Day barbeque for members of the military at the White House in Washington
U.S. President Barack Obama addresses an Independence Day barbeque for members of the military at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and his wife Michelle applaud U.S. servicemen as he concludes remarks at an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington
Obama and his wife Michelle applaud U.S. servicemen as he concludes remarks at an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and his wife Michelle smile with U.S. servicemen as he addresses an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington
Obama and his wife Michelle smile with U.S. servicemen as he addresses an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama holds a toddler at an Independence Day barbeque for members of the military at the White House in Washington
Obama holds a toddler at an Independence Day barbeque for members of the military at the White House in Washington Reuters
The Declaration of Independence contains secret codes and messages.
The National Geographic reports that “There's no invisible message or map on the back of the Declaration of Independence, as depicted in the film National Treasure”. However, the National Archive claims that the back of the document contains some secret messages. In the picture: Obama and his wife Michelle arrive to make remarks at an Independence Day barbeque for members of the military at the White House in Washington Reuters
U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive to make remarks at an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington
U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive to make remarks at an Independence Day barbeque at the White House in Washington Reuters
White house Barack obama White house Barack obama