At a time when some critics accuse the US military of being too cozy with religion, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta hosted an iftar at the Pentagon to “celebrate a great religion.”

We’re grateful to be able to host this Iftar Dinner at the Pentagon and share in one of the great traditions of the Muslim faith…

During the decade of war that has followed [the 9/11] attacks, I am grateful that Muslim Americans have been fighting for America on the front lines.  They have sacrificed a great deal for our country.  On behalf of all Americans, I thank them and thank all of our troops for their service and for their sacrifice.

We are able to enjoy the blessings of liberty because of their willingness to put their lives on this line for this country.  So, as we take part in this Iftar let us celebrate a great religion.

Anyone remember a US military leader saying they were “grateful” for Christians on the front lines of America’s military?  Anybody in the US government call Judaism a “great religion” recently?

Update: An official military press release on the event was published here and the US Army version was published here.