WASHINGTON, July 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama will host a grand party in the White House Saturday evening to celebrate the nation's and his elder daughter Malia's birthdays, the Washington Post reported on its website Friday.

    About 1,200 military members and their families will attend the celebrations with a barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House, according to the report.

    White House staffers also have been invited to the celebration.

    The U.S. Marine Band will perform, then fireworks will explode over the South Lawn.

    Obama left the White House Friday morning to join his family at Camp David, the presidential retreat in the mountains of Maryland.

    Malia Obama, who turns 11 Saturday, began celebrating with about 20 girls at Camp David on Thursday.

    When the Obamas return Saturday, Malia will become the first member of this First Family to celebrate a birthday at the White House.