President Praises Troops During Independence Day Event
(July 6, 2011)
WASHINGTON, July 4, 2011 – Military service members
attending the White House Independence Day celebration
represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have
served the United States with honor and sacrificed much to
protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy, President Barack
Obama said here today.
President Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle, speaks
to troops and family members at an Independence Day event at the
White House, July 4, 2011. DOD screen grab
“I cannot think of anybody I would rather celebrate with than all
of you,” the president said, “the men and women of our military and
our extraordinary military families.”
Obama and his wife and
children hosted a traditional Fourth of July celebration for members
of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. About 1,200
service members and their families attended the White House event,
which included a barbeque, a USO show featuring Train and Amos Lee
and a viewing of the national capital fireworks.
“After all that you do for our country every day, we wanted
to give you a chance to get out of uniform, relax a little
bit and have some fun,” Obama told the troops. “But of
course it's also a time for us to reflect on the meaning of
America.”
The small band of patriots who signed the
Declaration of Independence might be surprised to see their
legacy, Obama said, including a nation that's led
revolutions in commerce, sent people to the moon, lifted up
the poor, cured the sick, fought for democracy and served as
a beacon of hope around the world.
“All this could
only happen because of our founders' central faith that
through democracy and individual rights ordinary people have
it within their means to forge a nation that's more just and
more equal and more free,” Obama said.
Every service
member is heir to that legacy, the president added,
introducing five heroes, one from each service.
While
on patrol in Iraq, Army Sgt. 1st Class Justin Gang's convoy
was struck by a roadside bomb and fell under enemy fire,
Obama said.
“Even after being wounded by shrapnel
himself, he helped secure the scene and evacuate his wounded
comrades to safety and today we honor his extraordinary
courage,” he added.
Nigeria-born Navy Petty Officer
1st Class Obi Nwagwu, a hospital corpsman, became an
American citizen and volunteered to serve in the U.S.
military.
“As an orthopedic technician, he helps our
wounded warriors regain their strength and resume their
lives back home,” Obama said. “Today we honor his incredible
dedication.”
Whether it's partnering with the Iraqi
army or making sure our troops have shelter in some of the
toughest places on the planet, Obama said, Air Force Master
Sgt. Heather Adkins “knows how to get things done and today
we honor her tireless devotion.”
Marine Corps Staff
Sgt. Robert “Keith” Kesterson rushed through enemy fire to
free a fellow Marine trapped inside a burning vehicle, the
president said.
“After untangling the Marine's
equipment, he extinguished the flames and pulled him to
safety, and today we honor his unyielding loyalty,” Obama
added.
Less than 24 hours after the devastating 2010
earthquake in Haiti, the president said, Coast Guard Chief
Petty Officer Marlene Riklon was on the scene helping direct
aid and save lives in the midst of chaos.
Today,
Obama said, “we honor her incredible dedication.”
These patriots and their fellow service members, the
president said, are the reason why America and its armed
forces “remain the greatest force for peace and security
that the world has ever known.”
Together, he added,
“you're standing with all of those throughout the world who
are reaching for the same freedoms and the same liberties
that we celebrate today.”
