The White House has released the following statement from President Barack Obama to mark Ramadan 1431 (2010):
On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I want to extend our best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.
Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God. This is a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared. But Ramadan is also a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and pray during the night; when Muslims provide support to others to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere. For all of us must remember that the world we want to build – and the changes that we want to make – must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities.
These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings. Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality. And here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country. And today, I want to extend my best wishes to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world – and your families and friends – as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan.
I look forward to hosting an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan here at the White House later this week, and wish you a blessed month.
May God’s peace be upon you.
The President’s statement is also available with translations in Arabic, Bengali, Dari, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Pashto, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, & Urdu.
First Lady Michelle Obama welcomes special guests, including former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, to the White House for a special event for mothers and daughters at the White House. May 7, 2010.
Did You Know?
Facts, Figures &
Folklore About Easter April 03 : Holy Saturday, Easter Even
01 day till Easter
Did you know that over one billion Easter eggs are hunted every year in America?
The most popular (or at least the most televised) Easter egg hunt is the one held at the White House. President Hayes hosted the first White House Egg Huntin 1878, launching a tradition that has continued to this day.
The President and First Lady Michelle Obama will sponsor the White House Easter Egg Hunt on April 05, 2010. The event is intended to encourage America’s youngsters to lead active, healthy lives.
Easter is the time of springtime festivals, a time to welcome back the Tulips, Crocuses and Daffodils. A time for Christians to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Christ. And a time of chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and colored eggs! Join our Easter festivities as we present a new “Did You Know?” fact each day and countdown to Easter on April 04th!
Just received an email announcing the availability of the 2010 souvenir White House Easter Eggs. The eggs are the same ones used at the White House Easter Egg Roll. So whether or not you can make it to Washington for the Egg Roll you can order your own set of souvenir eggs.
The Easter Egg Roll on the White House South Lawn is one of the most eagerly anticipated spring events in our nation’s capital. Celebrate the tradition with your very own White House Easter Egg. This souvenir egg, made from FSC-certified, U.S. hardwood, comes in four unique colors and includes the stamped signatures of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Today, Sunday January 17, is the birthday of US First Lady Michelle Obama.
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is the wife of the forty-fourth President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first African-American First Lady of the United States.
Michelle Robinson was born and grew up on the South Side of Chicago. She graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. After completing her formal education, she returned to Chicago and accepted a position with the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met her future husband. Subsequently, she worked as part of the staff of Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, and for the University of Chicago Medical Center. Throughout 2007 and 2008, she helped campaign for her husband’s presidential bid and delivered a keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She is the mother of two daughters, Malia and Sasha, and is the sister of Craig Robinson, men’s basketball coach at Oregon State University.*
First Lady Michelle Obama visits the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. to read “The Night Before Christmas.” Joined by daughters Malia and Sasha, along with dog Bo, the First Lady continues this tradition of visiting with patients which dates back to Bess Truman.
Join us as we tweet the "The Night Before Christmas" Today, Christmas Eve @9PM EST (@holidaysnet)
Source: White House Blog: The First Lady Reads "The Night Before Christmas"
