Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama shares a moment with a soldier at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, August 31, 2010

 Before speaking to the nation tonight, President Barack Obama flew to Texas to visit the soldiers at Fort Bliss in El Paso. Troops at Fort Bliss have participated in every phase of the seven-and-a-year war in Iraq and continue to service in the new support role. The President went there to say “thank you” from a grateful nation. Later from the Oval Office, President Obama kept a campaign promise and ended the controversial war

“I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans.  We’ve now been through nearly a decade of war.  We’ve endured a long and painful recession.  And sometimes in the midst of these storms, the future that we’re trying to build for our nation — a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity — may seem beyond our reach.

But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment.  It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.”

The full text of President Obama’s address to the nation on the White House Blog.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Barack Obama gave a pep talk to some aspiring tennis stars at the White House, August 3, 2010

Catching up on a photo of interest.  The South Lawn of the White House was the scene of a “Let’s Move” tennis clinic on August 3, 2010. President Barack Obama delivered some encouraging words to some possible tennis stars of tomorrow. 

 Developing a good backhand swing is a bonus  –  getting  kids to exercise and eat healthy are the main goals of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- Investor Warren Buffett meets with President Obama on July 14, 2010

A heavy discussion in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, July 14, when Billionaire Investor, Warren Buffett, dropped by for a chat with President Barack Obama. Main topics: the struggling economy and jobs.  

The Caucus blog on The New York Times website reported on the meeting and mentioned a funny incident with Buffett’s tie.  The President reportedly noticed Buffett’s tie was a bit worn — offered one of his own– and the offer was accepted.

Buffett is consider one of the most successful investors in the world. Last March, this smart guy from Omaha placed third on Forbes’ list of the riches billionaires.  Buffett’s net worth — $47 Billion. Also, Buffett is a well known philanthropist who donates generously to charities including around $30 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Message from President Obama regarding Independence Day

Today we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of a great experiment, American democracy.  In every corner of our country, we recall the valor and vision of patriots from Thirteen Colonies who declared independence from a powerful empire and gave birth to a new Nation.  We gather in town centers and wave flags in parades not only to recall this history we share, but also to honor the vibrant and enduring spirit of America established on this day.

For those gallant first Americans, such a Nation as ours may have seemed like an unattainable dream.  Their concept was revolutionary:  a government of, by, and for the people.  Yet, our Founders’ tenacity, resolve, and courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds became the bedrock of our country.  That essence has permeated our land and inspired generations of Americans to explore, discover, and redefine the outer reaches of our infinite potential.  It has become the foundation of the American dream.

This dream has not come without tremendous cost.  From the farmers and tradesmen who served in militias during our American Revolution to the present day women and men protecting our Nation around the world, the sacrifices of our Armed Forces have been extraordinary.  Today we pay tribute to our service members, many of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  We also acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of their loving families.  It is their heroism that has paved the remarkable path of freedom’s march.

Just as this day serves as a reminder of the immeasurable bravery of those who have made America what it is today, it also renews in us the solemn duty we share to ensure our Nation lives up to its promise.  We must not simply commemorate the work begun over two and a quarter centuries ago; we are called to join together, hoist their mantle upon our shoulders, and carry that spirit of service into tomorrow.

America again faces a daunting set of challenges, yet our history shows these are not insurmountable.  We need only to draw upon the perseverance of those before us    our Founders who declared and fought for their ideals; our ancestors who emigrated here and struggled to build a better future for their children; and our pioneers and entrepreneurs who blazed trails that have continually expanded our horizons.  Their spirit    our spirit    will guide our Nation now and in our bright future.

On our Nation’s birthday, may we come together in the enduring spirit of America to begin that work anew.  I wish you all the best for a happy Fourth of July.  May God Bless all those who serve, and may God Bless the United States of America.

                                                      BARACK OBAMA

from the White House.gov website

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House  — Hundreds of chefs from around the country gathered on the south lawn of the White House for a “Let’s Move” event on June 4, 2010

 First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program has expanded to include hundreds of chefs from communities all across the nation. Chefs from 37 states assembled at the White House on Friday, June 4, 2010 to support “Chefs Move to Schools” phase of the first lady’s program.

“Let’s Move” is aimed at fighting childhood obesity. The chefs will be paired with schools in their local communities to work with students, parents, school nutritionists and administrators. Mrs. Obama explained it this way: “And together, you’ll be helping students learn where food comes from, and develop healthy habits. You’ll be elevating the role of food in our schools, and working to create healthy meals on a budget…You can make a salad bar fun — now, that’s something — and delicious. You can teach kids to cook something that tastes good and is good for them; and share your passion for food in a way that’s truly contagious.”

Food Diva/Author/Cookware Designer/TV Chef, Rachael Ray, posted a story on the White House Blog today about the program and her own experience called “Cooking as a Way of Life.” Ray says: “Understanding what good nutrition means and the basics of cooking are some of the most important tools kids need for the rest of their lives. Knowing how to put together a good, nutritious meal really improves the quality of one’s life.” More of Ray’s post here, which includes a video clip, too.

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House — Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder performed their number one hit single from 1982, “Ebony and Ivory,” at a White House concert honoring the former-Beatle, last night.

President Barack Obama presented Entertainer, Paul McCartney, with the nation’s highest award for extraordinary contributions to American music and culture in the East Room of the White House, June 2, 2010.

In honoring McCartney , the president said: “And it’s fitting that the Library has chosen to present this year’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to a man whose father played Gershwin compositions for him on the piano; a man who grew up to become the most successful songwriter in history — Sir Paul McCartney.”

Some of the other artists on hand to give props to McCartney at the White House bash Jerry Seinfeld, the Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris, Herbie Hancock, Elvis Costello, Jack White, and Corinne Bailey Rae. More about the event on The White House blog.

Oh, the amazing concert from this celebration is scheduled to be broadcasted on PBS stations nationwide, July 28, 2010 at 8 p.m. EDT.