President Trump thanked the hundreds of people who turned out to the White House’s annual picnic for military families on the Fourth of July for the sacrifices they and those before them have made to maintain America’s freedom.
“To every service member here today and watching around the world — they’re all watching — and to your incredible families, these are truly unbelievable people, thank you for keeping America safe, strong, proud, mighty, and free,” Trump told spectators on the South Lawn of the White House during remarks that lasted seven minutes.
“Our freedom only exists because there are brave Americans willing to give their lives to defend it and defend our great country,” he continued. “American liberty has been earned through the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of American patriots. The immortal story of the American warrior is written in the fields of Gettysburg, the sands of Iwo Jima, the mountains of Afghanistan, and the snow of Valley Forge. It is the story of honor, duty, loyalty and love.”
“They’re all watching,” Trump says of all service members around the globe.
“God bless America,” he said. “Happy Fourth of July everybody.” pic.twitter.com/Brb9FRFUEZ
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) July 4, 2018
Trump named and honored members from each branch of the military and teased the Space Force. Last month, Trump announced the Pentagon would immediately begin creating a new Space Force military service that would oversee gaining control of military space from the Air Force.
“You may have heard that we will soon have the Space Force,” Trump said on Wednesday evening. “People are very excited about it.”
First lady Melania Trump and Vice President Mike Pence joined Trump after the speech to shake attendees’ hands. Trump was spotted by reporters pumping his fist into the air. Karen Pence was in attendance, but not seen mingling with the crowd.
Cabinet members reporting for duty at this 4th of July Trump event: Scott Pruitt, Kirstjen Nielsen, Elaine Chao (all seen by the press).
Also here, unseen, but according to POTUS: Ben Carson, Alex Azar, Bob Lighthizer and acting VA sec Peter O’Rourke. pic.twitter.com/G6DJDjbEE3
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) July 4, 2018
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen were spotted taking pictures with guests as the military band played.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Veterans Affairs Secretary Peter O’Rourke, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer also attended the military family picnic.
The Trumps went back inside the White House after shaking hands for a few minutes, but will return to the lawn for the fireworks show at sunset.
Trump spent the day at a private golf club he owns just outside D.C. in Northern Virginia before heading back to the White House later in the day to headline the picnic for military families.
Reporters traveling with the presidential motorcade said Trump arrived at the Trump National Golf Club, an 800-acre property near Potomac Falls, shortly after 11 a.m. local time.
Wednesday marks the 122nd time Trump has visited a golf resort during his year and a half in office.
Presidents for decades have hosted military families on the South Lawn of the White House. The picnic is always followed by fireworks over the National Mall.
