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Certainly, the day when America celebrates its independence was going to be a busy one for President Barack Obama. In the morning, he marked the day by welcoming two dozen U.S. service people as American citizens. In the East Room of the White House, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano administered the oath of allegiance to the 25 active duty U.S. service people so that they could become citizens.
As Obama said during the ceremony,
“Immigration makes America stronger. Immigration makes us more prosperous. Immigration positions America to lead in the 21st century.”
He said that the event showcased a long history that America has of welcoming new immigrants into the country. As he said, “Unless you are one of the first Americans, a native American, we are all descended from folks who came from somewhere else. The story of immigrants in America isn’t a story of them. It’s a story of us.”
Not a sentiment that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer would buy into.
As Rappler explained in its evaluation of Obama’s immigration speech, “His speech to people who had immigrated from as far afield as Guatemala, Nigeria and Ukraine was a clear nod to a recent shift in his administration’s immigration policy that could help the Democrat secure a second term.”
The president mentioned that his administration is working towards helping immigrants, a move that is understandable since many Hispanics in the country are frustrated with the lack of progress with the immigration system.
In the afternoon, the President welcomed service members and their families to the White House lawn for a barbecue and concert. On the White House South Lawn, Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama saluted “this generation of heroes” for their service. He said, when speaking to them that, the country “will always be there for you, just as you’ve been there for us.”
Entertainment was offered by the U.S. Marine Band and by singer Brad Paisley.
And, of course, yesterday was Malia Obama’s 14th birthday. Michelle Obama started the day by tweeting,
““Happy Fourth! What makes this day even more special is that it’s the day our first child was born. Happy birthday, Malia! We love you.”
Overall it certainly appeared to be a successful day for the Obama family.