Obama Sends Best Wishes For Diwali

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists celebrated Diwali – known as the festival of lights.  On Tuesday, the White House released a statement (full text) from the President extending holiday wishes to all those observing the holiday. The statement said in part:

Earlier this year, we were reminded of the evil that exists in the world when a gunman walked into the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and opened fire.  In the wake of that horrible tragedy, we saw the resilience of a community that drew strength from their faith and a sense of solidarity with their neighbors, Sikh and non-Sikh alike.  We also saw compassion and love, in the heroic actions of the first responders and the outpouring of support from people across the country.  Out of a day of sadness, we were reminded that the beauty of America remains our diversity, and our right to religious freedom.