Obama lauds troops at July 4 picnic

President Obama is spending the Fourth of July honoring military troops and he says there’s no place else he or the first lady would rather be.

Obama addressed thousands of military families gathered on the White House lawn Friday for an-all American barbecue and concert for military families. He lauded the sacrifices of U.S. service members for keeping the nation safe and free.

Music will be provided by the rapper Pitbull and the families will also get to see the fireworks on the National Mall.

{mosads}Earlier in the day, the president recognized 25 active duty service members from 15 countries who became U.S. citizens in the White House, a yearly tradition for the president. 

Apart from the nation’s founding, Obama noted that July Fourth is a special day for his family because it’s his oldest daughter, Malia’s birthday. She turned 16.