Governor Declares “Muslim Recognition Day”; Muslims Celebrate Inclusion in Iowa

February 15, 2006

Source: The Des Moines Register

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060215/LIFE05/602150358/1045

On February 15, 2006 The Des Moines Register reported, "In the face of of worldwide Muslim outrage at Western media depictions of their most holy prophet, Muslims in Iowa are celebrating their inclusion and acceptance. Gov. Tom Vilsack has declared Feb. 15 as Muslim Recognition Day in Iowa. For the first time, members of four area mosques will welcome Iowans to 'join in the making of history and get a taste of what it feels to be a Muslim.' That's quite a different environment than was experienced in European countries in recent weeks, where Muslims joined in violent demonstrations in response to the publication of editorial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslim leaders here have decried the cartoons and the violence, while saying that they are appreciative of their welcome in Iowa... Muslim Recognition Day was planned as a celebration of culture, community and faith, organizers said. Mosque members will staff booths and tables with materials and people who are 'willing to talk about all dimensions of being a Muslim,' said Steve Aigner of Ames, who will emcee the evening... Sponsors are the Islamic Center of Des Moines, the Darul Arquim Islamic Center of Ames, the Islamic and Cultural Center Bosniak and the Muslim Community Organization."