July 4th Celebration

Army Guardsman participates in Obama’s July 4 celebration
American Forces Press Service

President Barack Obama speaks to military families on the South Lawn during an Independence Day celebration at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 4, 2009. (DoD photo by Elaine Wilson)
download hi-res photoWASHINGTON, (7/6/10) -- As Americans celebrated Independence Day in homes throughout the nation, President Barack Obama invited about 1,200 military families to his home for a July Fourth bash to personally thank them for their service and sacrifice.

“Michelle and I are honored and proud to have you here on the Fourth,” said Obama, addressing the audience from a balcony overlooking the White House’s South Lawn, which had been transformed into a sea of red, white and blue for the event.

“It is, after all, your service -- the service of generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- that makes our annual celebration of this day possible,” he said.

The commander in chief called today’s men and women in uniform the “latest, strongest link” in a chain that can be traced to the Continental Army.

“You're the heirs of that legacy of proud men and women who strained to hold together a young union; who rolled back the creeping tide of tyranny; who stood post through a long twilight struggle; who have taken on the terror and extremism that threatens the world's stability,” he said.

The nation’s defenders are making headway in that battle, Obama said, noting recent events in Iraq.

“Because of your brave efforts, American troops this week transferred control of all Iraqi cities and towns in Iraq's government to Iraqi security forces,” he said. “Because of what you did -- because of the courage and capability and commitment of every single American who has served in Iraq -- a sovereign and united Iraq is taking control of its own destiny.

Iraq’s future rests in the hands of the Iraqis now, the president said. “As extraordinary an accomplishment as that is, we know that this transition won't be without problems,” he acknowledged. “We know there will be difficult days ahead. And that's why we will remain a strong partner to the Iraqi people on behalf of their security and prosperity.”

Obama was joined at the podium by 22 servicemembers, handpicked by each military branch for their heroism and sacrifice. Among them was Sgt. Timothy Huggins, an operations and training noncommissioned officer with National Guard Bureau, who was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in Iraq during a tour from 2004 to 2005.

Huggins received the award while performing convoy escort duties with the 25th Infantry Division, which is based in Hawaii. On an escort mission to Najaf, insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades and other small arms at his convoy. As the lead vehicle, Huggins ordered the convoy to push past the kill zone, a feat not easily accomplished with tractor-trailers. With the trucks struggling to accelerate, Huggins made a crucial decision.
“I turned around and parked in the middle of the intersection to draw fire towards my vehicle so the rest of tractor-trailers could get through,” said Huggins.

After the safety of the convoy was assured, Huggins’s truck engaged the enemy, killing three insurgents and halting a perceived counterattack.

“We're humbled to be joined up here by heroes -- men and women who went beyond the call of duty in battle, some selflessly risking their lives again and again so that others might live,” the president said.

“True to form, they -- like all of you -- say they were just doing their job,” he continued. “That's what makes you the best of us, and that's why we simply want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your extraordinary service to our country.”

After his remarks, the president and first lady walked onto the lawn to personally greet – and thank -- their military guests.

The event included a barbecue, with food supplied by the USO, and entertainment by the U.S. Marine Corps Band, Foo Fighters, Michelle Branch and Jimmy Fallon and concluded with a prime view of the fireworks set off over the Washington Monument.

(Staff Sgt. Sean McCollum of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report.)