This past Wednesday, President Obama took time to send holiday greetings to two faith groups. First he issued a statement (
full text) marking Ash Wednesday, saying in part:
Today, Michelle and I join our fellow Christians across the country and around the world in marking Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of sacrifice and preparation, repentance and renewal. Through reflection on the teachings that guide us, we reaffirm our commitment to God and one another -- and we remember those who are suffering, including those persecuted for their faith.
On the same day, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders released a video message from the President (
video and full transcript) sending Lunar New Year greetings, saying in part:
Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year here in America and all around the world. I’ll always remember the parades, fireworks, and gatherings that surrounded the Lunar New Year when I was growing up in Hawaii. And now as President, this celebration is a perfect reminder of the many cultures and faiths that make us who we are as Americans.
The President used his message to again urge immigration reform.
