[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 37 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Pages 1220-1221]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 White House, and I'm 
really glad we did. At this year's gathering, we pay special tribute to 
the many contribution Muslim Americans 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

[[Page 1221]]

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, Navy 
Chaplain Corps, who gave the blessing.