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President Obama Celebrates His Last Fourth Of July At The White House

Every year, he and first lady Michelle Obama honor military veterans and their families.

In an annual tradition, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama spend July Fourth honoring military veterans and their families by hosting a celebration on the White House's South Lawn, featuring a barbecue, concert and, of course, fireworks.

According to the White House, this year's event, the last one before Obama leaves office, was canceled due to rain. However, the Obamas will still hold an event in the White House's East Room that will include performances from Janelle Monáe and Kendrick Lamar.

See photos of past White House Fourth of July celebrations below.

  • President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama watch the fireworks over the National Mall from the White House on July
    Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Images
    President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama watch the fireworks over the National Mall from the White House on July 4, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
  • The Marine Band performs at a Fourth of July barbecue hosted by the president and first lady for military members and fa
    Mandel Ngan/Getty Images
    The Marine Band performs at a Fourth of July barbecue hosted by the president and first lady for military members and families as well as government employees and families in 2010 on the South Lawn of the White House.
  • The president, accompanied by the first lady and singer Bruno Mars (left), gives remarks to members of the military and White
    Ron Sachs/Pool via Getty Images
    The president, accompanied by the first lady and singer Bruno Mars (left), gives remarks to members of the military and White House staff who were invited to the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2015.
  • A crowd watches from the South Lawn of the White House as fireworks erupt over the National Mall on July 4, 2012.
    Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Images
    A crowd watches from the South Lawn of the White House as fireworks erupt over the National Mall on July 4, 2012.
  • Obama greets guests during a Fourth of July barbecue for military members, government employees and their families in 20
    Mandel Ngan/Getty Images
    Obama greets guests during a Fourth of July barbecue for military members, government employees and their families in 2010.
  • A crowd watches as fireworks explode over the White House on July 4, 2013.
    Maddie Meyer/The Washington Post via Getty Images
    A crowd watches as fireworks explode over the White House on July 4, 2013.
  • The president and first lady wave from the South Portico to U.S. veterans and their families, as well as White House sta
    Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool via Getty Images
    The president and first lady wave from the South Portico to U.S. veterans and their families, as well as White House staff, during an Independence Day barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2014.
  • The president and first lady watch from the White House roof as fireworks erupt over the National Mall on July 4, 2012.
    Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Images
    The president and first lady watch from the White House roof as fireworks erupt over the National Mall on July 4, 2012.
  • The United States Marine Band marches through the crowd prior to the president's remarks at a Fourth of July barbecue on
    Ron Sachs/Pool via Getty Images
    The United States Marine Band marches through the crowd prior to the president's remarks at a Fourth of July barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2013.
  • The statue of Gen. James McPherson, in McPherson Square near the White House, is silhouetted by the Independence Day firework
    Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images
    The statue of Gen. James McPherson, in McPherson Square near the White House, is silhouetted by the Independence Day fireworks on the National Mall on July 4, 2015.
  • The president and first lady greet U.S. veterans and their families, as well as White House staff, for an Independence D
    Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool via Getty Images
    The president and first lady greet U.S. veterans and their families, as well as White House staff, for an Independence Day barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2014.

This post was updated to reflect that this year's South Lawn event was canceled due to rain.

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