U.S. President Barack Obama used his weekly address Saturday to wish Americans a happy July Fourth and praise "the indomitable spirit of the first Americans."

"This weekend is a time to get together with family and friends, kick back, and enjoy a little time off," the president said. "And I hope that's exactly what all of you do. But I also want to take a moment today to reflect on what I believe is the meaning of this distinctly American holiday.

"Today, we are called to remember not only the day our country was born -- we are also called to remember the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible."

Obama said the "unyielding spirit" that allowed the American experiment to succeed, and that led to "a government of, by and for the people," is what defines Americans. He said that spirit "has always led us, as a people, not to wilt or cower at a difficult moment, but to face down any trial and rise to any challenge, understanding that each of us has a hand in writing America's destiny."

Noting that America is fighting two wars, battling a deep recession and facing rising healthcare costs, inadequate education and a dependence on foreign sources of oil, Obama said meeting the challenges "will require an extraordinary effort on the part of every American."

The president once again said the country can no longer delay healthcare reform and said "now is the time to meet our energy challenge."

"For the sake of our economy and our children, we must build on the historic bill passed by the House of Representatives, and make clean energy the profitable kind of energy so that we can end our dependence on foreign oil and reclaim America's future," he said.

"We are not a people who fear the future," he said. "We are a people who make it. And on this July Fourth, we need to summon that spirit once more."