Obama hosts service members at July 4 bash

WASHINGTON, July 4 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama welcomed hundreds of U.S. service members and their families to the White House for a July Fourth cookout Saturday.

In a brief speech, Obama called his guests "the latest, strongest link in that unbroken chain that stretches back to the Continental Army." He spoke of the challenges to come in Iraq.

"Iraq's future now rests in the hands of its own people," the president said. "As extraordinary an accomplishment as that is, we know that this transition won't be without problems. We know there will be difficult days ahead. And that's why we will remain a strong partner to the Iraqi people on behalf of their security and prosperity."

As Obama and his family arrived to Sousa marches played by the Marine Band, someone yelled, "You're the man, Mr. President."

Obama noted in his speech that July 4 is the birthday of his daughter, Malia, and he used to tell her, when she was younger, the fireworks were in her honor.

The festivities included a special concert featuring the rock band Foo Fighters and singer Michelle Branch with TV personality Jimmy Fallon as host.