Obama: U.S. faces 'daunting' challenges

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Obama: U.S. faces 'daunting' challenges
WASHINGTON, (UPI) -- President Barack Obama, in a July Fourth message to the nation, said America faces "daunting" but not "insurmountable" challenges.

In a message posted on the White House Web site, the president said the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence -- when Americans "gather in town centers and wave flags in parades" -- is a time to "recall this history we share, but also to honor the vibrant and enduring spirit of America established on this day."

He said the founders' "tenacity, resolve, and courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds became the bedrock of our country" and "the foundation of the American dream."

Recalling the "farmers and tradesmen who served in militias during our American Revolution" and citing servicemen and women serving around the world today, Obama said "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," he said. "We also acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of their loving families."

The president said the Fourth of July is a reminder of what he called "the solemn duty we share to ensure our Nation lives up to its promise."

"America again faces a daunting set of challenges, yet our history shows these are not insurmountable," he said. "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."
 
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