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Obama, first lady headlining salute to troops

Singer Willie Nelson responds to a question during a special daytime workshop for high school students from military communities in the greater Washington area, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, hosted by first lady Michelle Obama. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Singer Willie Nelson responds to a question during a special daytime workshop for high school students from military communities in the greater Washington area, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, hosted by first lady Michelle Obama. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

By Associated Press November 6, 2014 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are headlining a White House event honoring U.S. troops, veterans and their families.

Mary J. Blige, Willie Nelson and Common are among the recording artists joining the president and first lady for Thursday evening’s event on the South Lawn.

The program is the latest installment of the “In Performance at the White House” series, broadcast by PBS.

It will be streamed live on the White House website, www.whitehouse.gov/live , and is scheduled for nationwide broadcast Friday on PBS stations.

Obama has said caring for U.S. troops and veterans is a priority.

Mrs. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Jill, lead a nationwide effort to encourage more public support for service members past and present.