President Obama salutes US troops on 4th of July

US President Barack Obama marks Independence Day by giving thanks to military at home and those who are serving abroad.

By Nicole Hamer |

15:00 04 July 2013

Today, July 4th, the United States of America is celebrating its Independence Day.

US President Barack Obama took the opportunity to thank US troops both working at home and abroad who are defending the country and fighting abroad on the nation’s behalf to make the world a better place.

 

In his weekly radio address, the president said: “People in scattered corners of the world are living in peace today, free to write their own futures, because of you.”

 

“We are grateful for your service and your sacrifice, especially those still serving in harm’s way, and [for] your families here at home.”

 

Talking about Independence Day, the president said that 237 years ago, American colonists declared independence from Britain and waged a revolution that few thought would prevail.

 

He added: “But for the first of many times to come, America proved the doubters wrong. America is now a “global defender of peace and freedom.”