(사진제공=AP통신)
(사진제공=AP통신)
(사진제공=AP통신)
[워싱턴=AP/KNS뉴스통신] 미국 독립기념일에 버락 오바마 대통령은 백악관으로 군 관계자와 가족들을 초청하여 바비큐 파티를 열면서 “미국은 당신들 모두를 자랑스럽게 여긴다” 고 말했다.
대통령가족은 4일 백악관 발코니에서 1,200명의 손님을 악수로 맞이하고 간단한 연설을 했다.
오바마 대통령은 “당신들은 우리가 즐기고 있는 자유를 보호하기 위해 상상할 수 없는 희생을 치르고 있으며 국가에 봉사하는 미국의 많은 영웅의 일원이다“고 말했다.
이번이 오바마 대통령가족이 3번째로 군인가족과 함께 미국 독립기념일을 맞아 축하했으며 대통령은 “이런 행사를 통해서 격식을 벗어 버리고 긴장을 풀면서 즐길 수 있다”고 말했다.
(영문기사 원문)
Obama thanks troops at July 4 party on South Lawn
WASHINGTON (AP) — Telling U.S. troops that "America is proud of all of you," President Barack Obama marked the Fourth of July holiday by hosting a barbecue and concert for military members and families on the South Lawn of the White House.
The president and his family — wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia — greeted more than 1,200 guests from a White House balcony Monday evening. After brief remarks, the first couple stood in the driveway and shook hands with visitors.
"You represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have served our country with honor, who have made incredible sacrifices to protect the freedoms that we all enjoy," Obama said.
"You've done everything we could've asked of you," he said, also recognizing the "families that serve alongside of you with strength and devotion."
This is the third year the first family has celebrated the Independence Day holiday with service members and their families. Obama told his guests Monday that the occasion was "a chance to get out of the uniform, relax a little bit and have some fun."
Red, white and blue lanterns decorated trees on the South Lawn and miniature American flags adorned more than 50 tables spread across the yard. Children wearing face paint in the patriotic colors played with balloon animals.
Providing the music for the celebration: rock band Train, singer-songwriter Amos Lee and the U.S. Marine Band.
The concert was presented by the USO in its 70th year of providing support for Americans in the military.
김희광 기자 april4241@naver.com
