July 4 can be said to be America’s birthday and perhaps the most important holiday in the country. The day celebrates the declaration of Independence adopted on the 4th of July 1776.
The Thirteen Colonies of America declared themselves to be states and no longer part of the British Empire, though the revolutionary war continued for some time after.
Last year the celebration was marked with a Bruno Mars concert and this year it is an entire different package.
Singer-songwriter Janelle Monae and rapper Kendrick Lamar will help President Barack Obama celebrate his final Fourth of July at the White House. Spokesman Josh Earnest says the musicians are performing at Obama’s annual Independence Day event for “military heroes.”
Obama and his wife, Michelle, welcome military families each year for a barbecue, concert and view of the fireworks on the National Mall.
Both musicians are Obama favourites. The president once chose Lamar over Drake in a hypothetical rap battle. Obama also named Lamar’s “How Much a Dollar Cost” as his favourite song of 2015.
Monae was a guest at a White House state dinner in May. She also has backed White House efforts on voter registration, gun control and changes to the criminal justice system.