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Musician Keb Mo recently visited the White House and performed his bluesy rendition of "America the Beautiful" in the East Reception Room. Enjoy some great scenes of America and the President set to this classic song in celebration of Independence Day. Check it out here:
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In each of the past three years, President Obama has marked Independence Day with a celebration at the White House featuring a concert, organized by the USO, to honor members of the U.S. military and their families.
And that tradition will continue this year with a performance from country music star Brad Paisley.
You can watch the concert beginning tomorrow, just after 8:00 on WhiteHouse.gov/live, and if you stick around, you'll get a great view of the National Mall fireworks show -- from the South Lawn of the White House.
In the mean time, check out video from Independence Day celebrations past:
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July 03, 2012
11:15 AM EDTPrev Next-
The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
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This image of the Declaration of Independence is taken from the engraving made by printer William J. Stone in 1823.
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“The Declaration” is a large-scale mural displayed above the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives in Washington, D.C
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Harry S. Truman greets little Michael Gene Condatore of Washington in the Oval Office.
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Crowds attend the fireworks on the National Mall with the Washington Monument in the background. Eisenhower administration, 7/4/1954.
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John F. Kennedy delivers a Fourth of July address at the Governors Conference at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA. 7/4/62.
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White House staff members watch Fourth of July fireworks from the White House lawn. Nixon administration, 7/4/69.
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Gerald Ford boards the Michigan wagon at the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage encampment, where wagon trains converged after crossing the nation.
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July 4th celebration on the South Lawn. Carter administration, 7/4/80.
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Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan watch the fireworks at the July 4th Independence Day Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House. 7/4/81.
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Four of George H.W. Bush’s children, Marvin, Jeb, Neil and Doro, celebrate the Fourth of July at the Bayou Club in Houston, Texas. 7/4/65.
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Fourth of July celebration at the White House. Residence Staff members watch the fireworks at the top of the balcony. Clinton administration, 7/4/2000
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George W. Bush joins children during the Pledge of Allegiance at a Fourth of July visit with members of the West Virginia Air National Guard
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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch the fireworks over the National Mall from the White House. 7/4/2009
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Over the years, Presidents have celebrated Independence Day with commemorative ceremonies, White House picnics, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks. Some Presidents preferred to relax away from the White House – Lyndon B. Johnson traditionally spent the holiday at his ranch in Stonewall, Texas. Others have traced the history of the holiday with visits to Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford marked the nation’s bicentennial with a series of celebrations across the country. Among the many unique events was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, where covered wagons converged in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania after crossing the nation on historic trails. President Ford, who was raised in Michigan, boarded the Michigan wagon at the encampment in Valley Forge State Park. You can see a photo of this event and more in our Independence Day gallery from the holdings of the U.S. National Archives and the Presidential Libraries. For more information visit: http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/
Happy Fourth of July!
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Upheld last week by the Supreme Court, President Obama's health reform law -- the Affordable Care Act -- ensures hard-working, middle class families will get the security they deserve and protects every American from the worst insurance company abuses.
- Insurance companies no longer have unchecked power to cancel your policy, deny you coverage, or charge women more than men.
- Soon, no American will ever again be denied care or charged more due to a pre-existing condition, like cancer or even asthma.
- Preventive care will still be covered free of charge by insurance companies--including mammograms for women and wellness visits for seniors.
- By August, millions of Americans will receive a rebate because their insurance company spent too much of their premium on administrative costs or CEO bonuses.
- 5.3 million seniors will continue to save $600 a year on their prescription drugs.
- Efforts to strengthen and protect Medicare by cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse will remain in place.
For a comprehensive overview of the Affordable Care Act, visit WhiteHouse.gov/HealthReform and HealthCare.gov. Or, Check out an infographic showing how the Affordable Care Act benefits Americans.
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Last week, I continued my Community College to Career tour at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. I met some inspiring students who illustrate how Valencia is preparing students for their futures – whether going directly into the workplace or moving on to a four-year college to earn a baccalaureate degree.
Businesses in Orlando have been working with Valencia for years to ensure the college is teaching students relevant skills they need to stay current in the workplace as technology changes. And, they couldn’t be more satisfied with the quality of workers trained at Valencia.
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