    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 17, 2008]
    [Pages 1208-1210]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Iftaar Dinner
    September 17, 2008

        Good evening, and welcome. Over the past 8 years, we have made the
    Iftaar dinner an annual tradition here at the WhiteHouse, and I'm really
    glad we did. At this year's gathering, we pay special tribute to the
    many contribution Muslim Americans

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    have made to our Nation. We join in wishing Muslims around the world,
    Ramadan mubarak.
        Mr. Prime Minister,
    welcome. We are honored you're in our midst. Congressman Keith
    Ellison, Congressman Andre Carson are with us. Members of the administration here
    tonight; members of the diplomatic corps, we are glad you're here; my
    fellow citizens. Major, I'm looking forward
    to the blessings. Thank you for being here with us today.
        According to the teachings of Islam, Ramadan commemorates the
    revelation of God's word in the Holy Koran to the prophet Muhammad. The
    word has become the foundation for one of the world's great religions.
    Today, more than a billion Muslims around the globe celebrate the month
    of Ramadan with daily fasting, heartfelt prayer, and acts of charity.
        During Ramadan, we are reminded of Islam's long and distinguished
    history. Throughout the centuries, the Islamic world has been home to
    great centers of learning and culture. Muslim thinkers and scientists
    have advanced the frontiers of human knowledge. People of all faiths
    have benefited from the achievements of Muslims in fields from
    philosophy and poetry to mathematics and medicine.
        At the beginning of a new century, Muslims in the United States are
    continuing this proud tradition of innovation and invention. Tonight we
    honor members of the Muslim community who've risen to the top of their
    professions. Among our guests are individuals with wide-ranging
    accomplishments, from working on the Apollo program to pioneering
    advances in health care and medicine to developing cutting-edge
    applications for the Internet.
        One of these innovators is Professor Maysam Ghovanloo. This immigrant from Iran has become one of our
    Nation's most ingenious biomedical engineers. Last month, the good
    professor and his team of researchers at Georgia Tech unveiled an
    incredible invention that could one day help people with severe
    disabilities operate wheelchairs and surf the Internet by simply moving
    their tongue. Through this pioneering research, this good professor has
    brought new hope to thousands. He, like others in this room, have earned
    the admiration of our citizens.
        Stories like the professor's remind us
    that one of the great strengths of our Nation is its religious
    diversity. Americans practice many different faiths, but we all share a
    belief in the right to worship freely. We reject bigotry in all its
    forms. And over the past 8 years, my administration has been proud to
    work closely with Muslim Americans to promote justice and tolerance of
    all faiths.
        We've also partnered with Muslims around the world to spread
    freedoms to millions of people who have never known it before. We're
    helping the people of Iraq and Afghanistan build free societies after
    decades of tyranny. And during the month of reflection, we will remember
    all the brave Muslim Americans who wear the uniform of the United States
    Armed Forces. They represent the best of our Nation. I'm honored to be
    their Commander in Chief.
        As we break the fast tonight, let us give thanks for all those who
    serve a cause greater than themselves. Let us give thanks for the many
    ways that Muslim Americans have enriched our lives. And let us give
    thanks that we live in a country that makes one people out of many.
        I thank you for joining us tonight. I wish you all a blessed
    Ramadan. And now the imam will say the
    blessing.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:35 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Nasir al-
    Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah of Kuwait; and Maj. Abdullah Hulwe, USN, Navy
    Chaplain Corps, who gave the blessing.

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