President Barack Obama thanked US military families during a barbecue on the White House\'s South Lawn as Americans marked their Independence Day with outdoor picnics and fireworks.
"This day is possible because of your service. And so I think it\'s only appropriate that we give you a chance to celebrate it together as well," he said to hundreds of troops and their families.
Obama thanked Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Keith Kesterson, who "rushed through enemy fire to free a fellow Marine trapped inside a burning vehicle.
"After untangling the Marine\'s equipment, he extinguished the flames and pulled him to safety," Obama said as he shook hands with service members.
Children with patriotic face paint and balloons ate hamburgers, hot dogs, corn and ice cream with their military parents on tables covered in red, white or blue.
Obama, dressed in a short-sleeve blue shirt and khaki pants, also honored Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Marlene Riklon, who was on the ground in Haiti less than 24 hours after its devastating earthquake in 2010.
He also praised Army Sergeant First Class Justin Gang, whose convoy was struck by a roadside bomb before coming under fire in Iraq.
"Even after being wounded by shrapnel himself, he helped to secure the scene and evacuate his wounded comrades to safety," Obama said.
The president and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the relaxed event, which was their third Fourth of July celebration with military families.
"After all that you do for our country every day, we wanted to give you guys a chance to get out of the uniform, relax a little bit and have some fun," said Obama.
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