ওয়াশিংটন বাংলা রেডিও Washington Bangla Radio USA

“On September 11, 2001, the world stopped as we all watched in horror the murder of innocent people of all faiths from around the world.  As we remember the thousands of lives lost that day we must strive together to make this day a time to reflect on the power of tolerance to triumph over terrorism,” Roemer said in a statement issued on Friday.

“In the United States, September 11 is a National Day of Remembrance and Service.  As we join together to make this day count and to strengthen and enrich the ties that bind us together as fellow citizens of the planet, we give terror no power over us and we honor the memory of the victims of 9/11 in the U.S. and around the world.”

Referring to the recent Koran burning threat by a Florida pastor, Roemer said US remains committed to religious tolerance.

 “As we learn of plans by one misguided individual in the U.S. to burn the holy Qur’an on the 9/11 anniversary, valuing the diversity of our communities and working together for our greater good has never been more important.   It is also more important than ever before that we speak clearly and consistently about our commitment to religious tolerance.

“ I condemn such acts as disrespectful, intolerant, divisive, and un-representative of American values.  The deliberate destruction of any holy book is an abhorrent act,” he said.

The US Ambassador further said America is not ‘a nation built on hate or intolerance’. 

“Our history, which owes much to the example of Gandhiji and the Indian independence movement, shows us that great change can be effected in the world through peaceful means and without violence,” he said.

With the anniversary of 9/11 and Eid-ul-fitr falling on the same day (Saturday), Roemer offered his ‘best wishes’ to Muslims throughout India for the festival that marks the end of a month long time of thoughtful contemplation.