WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says freedom isn’t something that just happens, but must be nurtured and defended every single day.

Obama says it’s important that people remember what a “miracle” America is and how lucky they are that others willingly took up arms generations ago to fight for independence.

Obama commented at the White House on his final Fourth of July as president, briefly addressing several hundred people after rain forced cancellation of an annual barbecue on the South Lawn for thousands of military service members, veterans and their families.

It’s the second straight year that weather scuttled the picnic.

July Fourth is also the birthday of Obama’s oldest daughter, Malia. She turned 18. He led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday,” saying it’s a father’s job to embarrass his daughter.

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