Obama hosts Iftar dinner at White House

US President Barack Obama hosted an Iftar dinner at the White House Wednesday (August 10) night, welcoming guests including diplomats, administration officials and Members of Congress for an evening meal when Muslims break their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.Speaking to guests before the evening meal, US President Barack Obama reflects on the victims of the September 11th attacks, saying, It is worth remembering that these Americans were of many faiths and backgrounds including proud and patriotic Muslim Americans.Speaking before the meal, Obama discussed the diversity of the American people and the contributions of Muslim Americans, especially over the last ten years.In one month, we will mark the tenth anniversary of those awful attacks that brought so much pain to our hearts. It will be a time to honour all those that we have lost. The families who carry on their legacy, the heroes who rushed to help that day and all those who have served to keep us safe during a difficult decade, he said.Tonight it is worth remembering that these Americans were of many faiths and backgrounds including proud and patriotic Muslim Americans, he added.Obama asked some family members of victims of the 9/11 attacks who had been invited to the dinner to stand. He also recognized Muslim American first responders as well as US service members who has assisted during the attacks as well as during the last ten years at the dinner.Obama also spoke of a country united, that goes forward as one family.Like generations before us, pulling together in times of trial, staying true to our core values and emerging even stronger. This is who we are. This is who we must always be. Tonight, as we near a solemn anniversary, I cannot imagine a more fitting wish for our nation, he said.