The Democrat held a town-hall meeting with veterans Thursday in Fargo, North Dakota. He recalled his grandfather's enlistment in World War II, and told the vets that American troops have been striving toward a "set of ideals" since the Revolutionary War.

Obama will spend Independence Day Friday in Butte, Montana, where he's slated to attend a parade and a picnic with his family. It's not just the nation's birthday. Obama's older daughter will be turning 10-years-old Friday, so a private family celebration is planned.