President, New York City, Mark Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, began this weekend for Muslims around the world. (Voice of America.) On Thursday, the White House released a message from the President sending greetings to Muslims in the United States and around the world who are celebrating the festival. (Full text.) President Bush said in part: “Our Nation is proud to be a land of many beliefs, and our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens.” For the first time, New York’s Empire State building will be lit up in green—the symbol of a happy occasion in Islam—to mark the holiday. This will be done annually, just as the building is also lit for the celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah. (Voice of America).