islamic culture has given us soaring spires, timeless poetry and cherished music, elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. throughout history, islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality. [applause] i also know that islam has always been a part of america's story. the first nation to recognize my country was morocco. in signing the treaty of tripoli in 1796, our second president, john adams, wrote "the united states has, in itself, no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility of muslims." since our founding, american muslims have been -- have enriched the united states. they have fought in our wars. they have certain our government. the exit for civil rights. it started businesses. but they have taught it universities. they have one noble prices. they built our tallest building and lit the olympic torch. when the first muslim american was recently elected to congress, he took the oath using the same holy koran that one of our founding, funders -- founders, thomas jefferson, kept in hi