US Representative Keith Ellison (D-Minn) was this year’s keynote speaker at the Pentagon’s annual Islamic iftar, which it celebrates during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Given the state of world affairs, it is notable that the headquarters for the entire US military participates in such a celebration, but it means something even to the troops:

The significance of celebrating Iftar at the Pentagon is two-fold, said Air Force Col. Shakir Kahn. First, it informs Muslim Pentagon employees that the Department of Defense supports them. Second, it also allows the senior leadership at the Pentagon a view into the Muslim community.

Command Sgt. Maj. Sultan Mohammed said he believes that the yearly Iftar meals at the Pentagon show that the Department of Defense continues to feel solidarity with the Muslim community…

Those in attendance at the Pentagon Iftar were not all Muslim…

The Pentagon regularly invites well-known personalities and faith leaders to speak to Department of Defense audiences, and it does mean much to the troops that their leadership would “feel solidarity” with them or even simply support their right to hold their beliefs, even if they don’t hold those same beliefs — and even if the invitee may have detractors.

Now, about Franklin Graham…

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