President Donald Trump and wife Melania have marked African American History Month at the White House by pledging to make real the vision of 'every American patriot' who fought and sacrificed for freedom.

Trump and the First Lady arrived smiling together to take part in the reception in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday.

Melania wore black trousers, a sleeveless black blouse and stilettos as she stood beaming behind her husband as he addressed the crowd.

The Trumps celebrated the annual observance at the White House reception under the theme of 'African Americans in Times of War.'

Trump and the First Lady arrived smiling together to take part in the reception in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday for African American History Month

The president saluted black Americans who have served in the military since the Revolution for giving 'their hearts, their sweat, their blood and their very lives to defend the United States, its flag and its highest ideals.'

He said they helped defend for all Americans the dream of a colorblind society that inspired such civil rights pioneers as Frederick Douglass, Harriett Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.

'It is the dream of a nation where every citizen, regardless of color, religion or background, can grow up to succeed and to thrive,' Trump said.

'A nation where every family is safe, where every community can prosper and where all Americans can stand tall and proud and free.

'This vision of freedom, equality and dignity lives in the heart of every American patriot and, just like so many African Americans throughout our history who have struggled and sacrificed for freedom, we must do our part to make that vision real for every single American.

Trump and first lady Melania applaud as Surgeon General Jerome Adams looks on at the White House reception

Melania tweeted after the White House event, saying it was wonderful to welcome guests for the Black History Month event

Melania wore black trousers, a sleeveless black blouse and stilettos as she stood beaming behind her husband at the reception

The Trumps celebrated the annual observance at the White House reception under the theme of 'African Americans in Times of War'

'As long as we have faith in our citizens, confidence in our values and trust in God, we will not fail.'

Vice President Mike Pence marked the occasion earlier on Tuesday by visiting the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture - a facility he described as 'hallowed ground where we remember a difficult past.'

'But we remember our progress toward a more perfect union, a progress driven by the sacrifice, the courage, the idealism and the service in uniform of African American men and women,' Pence said.

Trump visited the museum last year.

Melania tweeted after the White House event, saying: 'It was wonderful to welcome guests to the @WhiteHouse this evening in celebration of National African American History Month.

'We look forward to hosting many more events that celebrate our unique and diverse cultures. #BlackHistoryMonth2018.'

Melania embraced US Surgeon General Jerome Adams after he spoke at the National African American History Month reception