The Obamas welcomed more than 1,200 military families to the White House South Lawn on Thursday to celebrate US' Independence Day and their daughter Malia's 15th birthday.
The Obamas celebrated the occasions with barbecue, fireworks and musical performances from multiple Marine bands and indie-pop group Fun, the New York Daily News reported.
The South Lawn was ringed with party tents and covered with round tables topped with red, white and blue tablecloths, with white folding chairs.
Barack acknowledged his troops' service during a 7-minute speech, in which he told them that they have played a special role, adding that people, in scattered corners of the world, are free to write their futures because of them.
