Obama thanks troops at July 4 party on South Lawn

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome military families to an Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, July 4, 2011. (AP Photo / AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

  By STACY A. ANDERSONWASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is marking the Fourth of July holiday by thanking service men and women for their sacrifices and service in protecting American freedoms.

Obama and his wife and two daughters are hosting a barbecue and concert on the South Lawn of the White House for more than 1,200 troops and family members.

The president told those at the Monday night celebration, "America is proud of all of you."

This is the third year the first family has celebrated July Fourth with service members and their families.

Providing the music: rock band Train, singer-songwriter Amos Lee and the U.S. Marine Band.

The concert is being presented by the USO, the United Service Organizations, now in its 70th year of providing support for Americans in the military.

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barack obama, 4th of july, politics & elections

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