Media Advisory: Pentagon Chaplains celebrate religious diversity

By Mr. Paul D Prince (OCPA)July 26, 2012

WASHINGTON (July 23, 2012)--The U.S. Military is a diverse force with a long history of accommodating and facilitating the religious practices of our service members. In keeping with this legacy, the Pentagon Chaplain's office will host an Iftar for the Pentagon Muslim community Wednesday, July 25, in the Pentagon Library and Conference Center (Room B6) beginning at 7 p.m.

An Iftar is an evening meal after sunset when Muslims break their fast after Ramadan. Traditionally, a date or water is the first thing consumed when breaking the fast.

During Wednesday's Iftar, a customary meal will be served; readings from the Qu'ran will be recited and remarks by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and South African Ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool are scheduled to be rendered.

Media interested in attending this event must RSVP by noon Wednesday, July 25, with Paul Prince at paul.d.prince.civ@mail.mil/ (703) 697-2163. Video recordings and still photography (no flash) will be permitted during the ceremonial dinner. However, media interviews and interactions with DoD officials or attendees during the event are prohibited. Officials will be indentified and made available for interviews prior to or at the conclusion of the Iftar. It is important for media to RSVP, so that there is an appropriate amount of time allotted to accommodate interview requests.

####