Day: July 4, 2023

South Lawn 5:04 P.M. EDT THE FIRST LADY:  Thank you, Chaplain Barkehmeyer.  And thank you to the USO for helping to make this event so special and for being such a great partner to my White House Joining Forces initiative that supports military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. Secretary Austin, Charlene, my fellow military families, welcome to the White House!  (Applause.) All across the country and at bases around the world, people are gathering with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our nation. But even as we laugh with our nat- — neighbors and enjoy the parades and…

President Joe Biden spoke today with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany to review preparations for the NATO Summit to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania. They discussed a range of issues that leaders will consider at the Summit, including ways to further strengthen the Alliance, and looked forward to continuing these conversations with Allies in Vilnius.  Chancellor Scholz wished the President and the American people a happy Independence Day. ### Official news published at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/04/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-call-with-chancellor-olaf-scholz-of-germany-4/

South Court Auditorium 12:45 P.M. EDT THE FIRST LADY:  Thank you.  (Laughs.)  Hello, NEA. Hi, Becky.  How are you?  And how’s this year’s RA going?  MS. PRINGLE:  Well, you know, there’s nothing better I want to do than spend the Fourth of July with almost 7,000 of my closest friends.  It doesn’t get better than that, Jill! THE FIRST LADY:  (Laughs.) MS. PRINGLE:  It just doesn’t.  Wow. THE FIRST LADY:  You know, Becky, I was listening to all of the questions and comments that the educators were making, and I have to say, I think I beat them all; I’ve…

Over the last few days, our nation has once again endured a wave of tragic and senseless shootings in communities across America — from Philadelphia to Fort Worth, Baltimore to Lansing, Wichita to Chicago. Today, Jill and I grieve for those who have lost their lives and, as our nation celebrates Independence Day, we pray for the day when our communities will be free from gun violence.  Today also marks one year since a shooter armed with an AR-15-style weapon fired upon a crowd of Americans gathered for an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois. In mere moments, this day of patriotic pride became a…

I welcome the announcement that NATO will extend Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s term for an additional year.  With his steady leadership, experience, and judgement, Secretary General Stoltenberg has brought our Alliance through the most significant challenges in European security since World War II.  Today, our Alliance is stronger, more united and purposeful than it has ever been. I look forward to continuing the work with Secretary General Stoltenberg to further strengthen the Alliance next week at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, and ahead of the 75th Anniversary NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. next year. ### Official news published at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/04/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-nato-secretary-general-stoltenbergs-extension/