2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Marks Ramadan at White House

By Paula Wolfson
White House
17 October 2006

President Bush welcomed Muslim leaders to the White House Monday evening for the traditional meal that marks the end of the daily Ramadan fast. The guests also included Muslim-Americans who serve as fire-fighters, police officers, and members of the military.

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Imam Talal Eid, of the Islamic Institute of Boston (l) with President George W. Bush

It has become an annual event at the White House, an opportunity for the president to honor the Muslim-American community by hosting an Iftaar dinner.

In the past, the guest list has been made up largely of religious leaders and ambassadors from countries with large Muslim populations.

This year, there were new faces in the State Dining Room for the meal of soup, fish and pear soufflé. They were the faces of American Muslims whose life work is public service.

"We have with us New York City police officers and an EMT [emergency medical technician] worker who risked their lives to serve their fellow citizens on 9/11, a military doctor and a member of the Navy chaplain corps¹, members of our foreign service, and military veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq," said President Bush.

President Bush praised these men, saying they bring credit to their faith, and by their deeds make America a better and stronger country.

The president went on to say the United States also appreciates the many Muslim nations that stand with America in the war on terror. He noted² that several of them sent representatives to the White House Iftaar dinner.

"We welcome you here," he said. "We are proud to work with you to defeat the terrorists and extremists and help bring a brighter future to millions of Muslim people throughout the world who yearn³ for moderation and peace."

This was the sixth Iftaar dinner hosted by President Bush at the White House. The first was held after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States as part of an effort to convince the Muslim-American community that its contributions to the nation are appreciated, and to underscore the message that the United States is waging war on terrorism and not on Islam.

1 corps   

n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组

参考例句：

• The medical corps were cited for bravery in combat.医疗队由于在战场上的英勇表现而受嘉奖。
• When the war broke out,he volunteered for the Marine Corps.战争爆发时，他自愿参加了海军陆战队。

2 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

3 yearn   

v.想念；怀念；渴望

参考例句：

• We yearn to surrender our entire being.我们渴望着放纵我们整个的生命。
• Many people living in big cities yearn for an idyllic country life.现在的很多都市人向往那种田园化的生活。