I was honored to join the local community today in visiting the Canberra Islamic Centre as it opened its doors to the public as part of Australia’s first National Mosque Open Day. I brought with me, as a gift from the United States to the Centre and the Australian Muslim community, a sapling grown from an acorn from the oak tree Eleanor Roosevelt planted at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra in 1943. Our diverse cultures – like this tree – have many branches in many directions. I believe we need all of our people – of every race, religion, ethnicity, and creed – to make us our best. Muslims are an integral part of the story of the United States. When Americans sought our freedom in the Revolutionary War, Muslim-Americans fought alongside their countrymen. After the war, Morocco was the first country to recognize a free and independent United States. Today, Muslim-Americans are members of Congress. They advise the President and Secretary of State. Muslim-Americans are actors and athletes, artists and authors who enrich our cultural fabric. They complete the story of who we are as a country and as a people. Through leadership, innovation and research, they make our lives better, our nation stronger, and our world brighter. You can read my full remarks here: goo.gl/SxcVi3
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 05:20:52 +0000
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