ID :
200685
Thu, 08/11/2011 - 13:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/200685
The shortlink copeid
Obama praises role of Muslim Americans in post 9/11 US
WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (KUNA) -- Islam has always been part of the American family, and Muslim Americans have long contributed to the strength and character of the United States, especially in the 10 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks, President Barack Obama said at a White House Iftar dinner on Wednesday night.
"In one month, we will mark the 10th anniversary of those awful attacks that brought so much pain to our hearts," Obama said.
"It will be a time to honor all those that we have lost, the families who carry on their legacy, the heroes who rushed to help that day and all who have served to keep us safe during a difficult decade. Tonight, it is worth remembering that these Americans were of many faiths and backgrounds, including proud and patriotic Muslim Americans," he said.
About 100 guests attended the dinner, including ambassadors from Pakista n, Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, Israel, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Other special guests includes families of Muslim victims of the September 11 attacks, as well as Muslim members of the US armed services.
Muslim Americans were innocent passengers on the hijacked planes that day, as well as workers in the Twin Towers in Manhatttan, Obama noted.
Muslim Americans also were first responders that day, he said.
"Nor let us forget that every day for these past 10 years, Muslim Americans have helped to protect our communities as police and firefighters, including some who join us tonight," the President said.
"Across our federal government, they keep our homeland secure, they guide our intelligence and counterterrorism efforts, and they uphold the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans. So make no mistake, Muslim Americans help to keep us safe." Obama also cited "the brave service of our men and women in uniform, including th ousands of Muslim Americans." "In a time of war, they volunteered, knowing they could be sent into harm's way," he said. "Our troops come from every corner of our country, with different backgrounds and different beliefs, but every day they come together and succeed together, as one American team." Also attending were the President's special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Rashad Hussain; the State Department's special envoy to Muslim communities, Farah Pandith; and special assistant to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin.(end) rm.asa KUNA 111123 Aug 11NNNN
"In one month, we will mark the 10th anniversary of those awful attacks that brought so much pain to our hearts," Obama said.
"It will be a time to honor all those that we have lost, the families who carry on their legacy, the heroes who rushed to help that day and all who have served to keep us safe during a difficult decade. Tonight, it is worth remembering that these Americans were of many faiths and backgrounds, including proud and patriotic Muslim Americans," he said.
About 100 guests attended the dinner, including ambassadors from Pakista n, Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, Israel, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Other special guests includes families of Muslim victims of the September 11 attacks, as well as Muslim members of the US armed services.
Muslim Americans were innocent passengers on the hijacked planes that day, as well as workers in the Twin Towers in Manhatttan, Obama noted.
Muslim Americans also were first responders that day, he said.
"Nor let us forget that every day for these past 10 years, Muslim Americans have helped to protect our communities as police and firefighters, including some who join us tonight," the President said.
"Across our federal government, they keep our homeland secure, they guide our intelligence and counterterrorism efforts, and they uphold the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans. So make no mistake, Muslim Americans help to keep us safe." Obama also cited "the brave service of our men and women in uniform, including th ousands of Muslim Americans." "In a time of war, they volunteered, knowing they could be sent into harm's way," he said. "Our troops come from every corner of our country, with different backgrounds and different beliefs, but every day they come together and succeed together, as one American team." Also attending were the President's special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Rashad Hussain; the State Department's special envoy to Muslim communities, Farah Pandith; and special assistant to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin.(end) rm.asa KUNA 111123 Aug 11NNNN
