Obama: Freedom is paid for by men and women of U.S. military

WASHINGTON — President Obama says U.S. service members make it possible to enjoy the "incredible blessings" in the greatest country on earth.

He says "freedom is not free" but is paid for by all the men and women of the military, including those who blanketed the White House South Lawn for a concert in their honor by Bruno Mars.

Obama spoke minutes before the annual Fourth of July fireworks lit up the night sky over the National Mall. He was accompanied by Michelle Obama.

Heavy rain that soaked Washington all day forced the White House to cancel its annual Fourth of July picnic for members of the military and their families.

The USO military service organization sponsored the concert that featured a performance by Mars.

President Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, left, delivers remarks during an Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4 in Washington.

Photo Credit: Andrew Harnik/AP

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