Celebrating the Fourth of July with Our Troops in Iraq

Posted by White House

Last night, my husband Joe and I flew to Iraq to celebrate the Fourth of July with our troops. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Independence Day than spending it with Americans who are bravely serving our country.

This morning we participated in a naturalization ceremony for about 150 of our soldiers serving here in Iraq. I was honored to be part of this special day with so many brave men and women who have been volunteering to fight for our country even before they took the oath of citizenship.Afterwards, I had lunch with several women soldiers who told me about their experiences serving in Iraq. Many of them are mothers, and one of them is married to a soldier who is also deployed.
They are managing all the challenges of parenting - securing health care, child care and education - while one or both parents are away.It's not easy to be away from loved ones - especially over the holidays. So please, take a minute today and give thanks to our military families serving this Nation around the world.Have a safe and happy Fourth of July, and may God protect our troops.