Festivities on the South Lawn of the White House to mark the Fourth of July holiday.
The event - commemorating U.S. independence - is being held for service members and their families.
President Barack Obama - accompanied by his wife Michelle - addresses the crowd of military men and women.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:
"I want you all, our men and women in uniform, our veterans and their families to know this, America will always remember, we will always be there for you just as you have been there for us. That is my promise, that is America's promise and that is one that we pledge to fulfil on this Independence Day. So happy Fourth of July everybody. Enjoy the fireworks, get some hot dogs, God bless you, God bless your families and God bless these United States of America."
Obama and the First Lady shook hands with many of the guests, who ate a barbecue dinner and listened to a performance by country star Brian Paisley.
Later, many guests watched Washington, D.C.'s fireworks display in full view from the White House South Lawn.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
