July 4, 2009 Obamas celebrate July 4th, Malia's birthday Play video

(NECN: Washington, D.C.) - The White House was preparing for a big holiday barbecue and fireworks show on Saturday evening.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama returned from Camp David to host the Independence Day event, which included about 1,200 military families.

Saturday was also daughter Malia Obama's 11th birthday.

The president addressed the crowd at the White House, and was followed up by some music:

"There's another person who is thrilled you are here today. Malia. It just happens to be her birthday as well. When she was younger I used to say all these fireworks were for her. I'm not sure she stills buys that."

"Just imagine the extraordinary audacity it took 33 years ago for a group of patriots to cast off the title of subject for citizen. To put ideas to paper that were as simple as they were revolutionary. That we are equal. That we are free. That we can pursue our full measure of happiness and make of our lives what we will. In retrospect it seems inevitable, but I think it 's fair to say that even the framers of that Declaration, especially the framers of that Declaration, would be astonished to see the results of their improbable experiment."

"You are the latest, strong link in that unbroken chain that stretches back to the continental army. You're the heirs to that legacy. The proud men and women who strained to hold together a young union, to roll back the creeping tide of tyranny.

Who stood post through a long twilight struggle. Who have taken on the terror and extremism that threatens the world's stability. Because of your brave efforts, American troops this year transferred control of all Iraqi cities and towns to Iraqi security forces. Because of what you did. But I want to say this to all of you, you have done everything that has been asked of you. The United States of America is proud of you. I'm proud to be your Commander In Chief, and that's why this Fourth of July I renew my pledge to each and every one of you that for as long as I have that immeasurable honor, you always have the equipment and support you need to get the job done. Your families will always be a priority of Michelle's and mine and remain on our hearts and on our minds. And when our service members do return home it will be to an America that always welcomes them with the care that they were promised. It is after all your service, the service of generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coastguard men that makes our annual celebration of this day possible. It's your service that proves that our founding ideals are just as powerful in our third century as a nation as they did on that first Fourth of July."