By Cat Viglienzoni - July
5, 2010
On Independence Day, President Barack Obama took
time from the celebrations to remember the sacrifices of those serving the
United States in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying they have earned their
place 'among the greatest of generations.' He also declared the Iraq war
timetable to be 'on schedule.'
Obama hosted 1,200 members
of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard and their families at a barbeque on the South Lawn of the
White House for the second year in a row. Obama called for public
support of those in the military and their families.
"Let us ensure
that our troops always have the support that they need to succeed in the
missions we ask of them, and that includes public support here at home," he
said. "Let us forge a national commitment to support our extraordinary military
families - not just now, during war, but in every stage of your lives."
The United States is preparing to reduce forces in Iraq
from eighty-six thousand to fifty thousand troops later this year before a full
withdrawal next year - a timetable Obama pledged to keep.
"Because of the
honor and heroism of our troops, we are poised to end our combat mission in Iraq
this summer, on schedule, and that's thanks to so many of you," he said.
Vice President Joe Biden spent the day in Iraq, where he told
Iraqis that America stands with them in building a new country.
"My plea to you is, finish what you've started, a truly
legitimate and representative government that meets the needs and aspirations
of all Iraqi people," he said. "We have nothing more than to want you to grow
as an independent, prosperous democracy."
Obama urged the nation to live by its principles as well
as celebrate them, saying the principle of liberty signed 234 years ago in the
Declaration of Independence made the U.S. 'a beacon to the world.'
(Photo
courtesy: AP Images)
