Obama: Freedom is paid for by men and women of US military
By Associated Press
Jul 4, 2015 10:58 PM CDT
President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, left, speaks during an Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, Saturday, July 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)   (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says U.S. service members make it possible to enjoy the "incredible blessings" in the greatest country on earth.

He says "freedom is not free" but is paid for by all the men and women of the military, including those who blanketed the White House South Lawn for a concert in their honor by Bruno Mars.

Obama spoke minutes before the annual Fourth of July fireworks lit up the night sky over the National Mall. He was accompanied by Michelle Obama.

Heavy rain that soaked Washington all day forced the White House to cancel its annual Fourth of July picnic for members of the military and their families.

The USO military service organization sponsored the concert that featured a performance by Mars.

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