Obama Honors Greatest Force Ever Known

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke to military families celebrating Independence Day on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2014. He spoke of equality, democracy and the dedication of the nation’s military:

“Now, this little party is something we’ve been doing every year, because there’s no group that we’d rather spend time with on this most American of holidays than with you: the extraordinary men and women of America’s military. And because of you, we’re safe, we’re free. We depend on you for our way of life, and the sacrifices you make are extraordinary.

“Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago, our founders came together and declared a new nation and a revolutionary idea: the belief that we are all created equal; that we’re free to govern ourselves; that each of us is entitled to life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

“And in the generations that have followed, through war and peace, through depression and prosperity, these truths have guided us as we have built the greatest democratic, economic, and military force the world has ever known.  

“So today, immigrants from around the world dream of coming to our shores. Young people aspire to study at our universities. Other nations look to us for support and leadership in times of disaster, and conflict, and uncertainty.

“And when the world looks to America, so often they look to all of you, the men and women of our Armed Forces. Every day, at home and abroad, you’re working to uphold those ideals first declared in that Philadelphia hall more than two centuries ago. Every day, you give meaning to that basic notion that as Americans we take care of each other. And so today, we honor all of you.”