The White House will announce in just a few minutes that President Obama will host 1,200 military families for a July 4th barbecue this Saturday evening. The event, designed to thank both troops and their loved ones for their service, will be one of the largest events at the White House so far. 

Pentagon officials and service leaders are in charge of picking the invitees (most of whom have already received word of their invitation.) White House officials could not say exactly who the guest list includes, but said the crowd will be heavy on recently returned combat veterans.

The party is set-up in traditional July 4th fashion -- food, games and patriotic music from the Marine Corps Band. Obama will address the crowd sometime in the evening, likely after the burgers are handed out but before the Washington, D.C. fireworks. 

[PHOTO: Associated Press]