Showtime. President Obama made a point of inviting a number of American Muslim citizens to his Iftar last week and introducing them to the diplomats and politicians who filled the room for the dinner.

President Obama held the White House annual Iftar dinner for the diplomatic community last Tuesday by showcasing a number of Muslims who have contributed to the United States – including one who gave his life and now lies across the Potomac River in Arlington National Cemetery.

The dinner guests included the two Muslim members of Congress, Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Andre Carson of Indiana, both African American and both Democrat.

Obama made no reference to the fact that his father was a Muslim but he appeared intent on displaying Islam, and Muslims, as being as American as apple pie.

"Tonight's Iftar is a ritual that is also being carried out this Ramadan at kitchen tables and mosques in all 50 states," he said. "Islam, as we know, is part of America. And like the broader American citizenry, the American-Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity – with families that stretch back generations and more recent immigrants … American Muslims are successful in business and entertainment, in the arts and athletics, in science and in medicine. Above all, they are successful parents, good neighbors and active citizens."

Then he turned to some specifics. "With us here tonight, we see just a small sample of those contributions. Let me share a few stories with you briefly. Elsheba Khan's son, Kareem, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country when he lost his life in Iraq. Kareem joined the military as soon as he finished high school. He would go on to win the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, along with the admiration of his fellow soldiers. In describing her son, Elsheba said, 'He always wanted to help any way that he could.' Tonight, he's buried alongside thousands of heroes in Arlington National Cemetery. A crescent is carved into his grave, just as others bear the Christian cross or the Jewish star. These brave Americans are joined in death as they were in life – by a common commitment to their country, and the values that we hold dear."

Then he spoke of a young woman in the room who made her name protesting when she was punished for wearing hejab, Nashala Hearn, from Muskogee, Oklahoma.

"When her school district told her that she couldn't wear the hejab, she protested that it was a part of her religion. The Department of Justice stood behind her, and she won her right to practice her faith. She even traveled to Washington to testify before Congress. Her words spoke to a tolerance that is far greater than mistrust – when she first wore her headscarf to school, she said, 'I received compliments from the other kids.'"

Then he called on another young girl, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir. "She's not even 5'5, where's Bilqis? Right here. Stand up, Bilqis. I want everybody to know she's got heels on. She's 5'5. Bilqis broke Rebecca Lobo's record for the most points scored by any high school basketball player in Massachusetts' history. She recently told a reporter, 'I'd like to really inspire a lot of young Muslim girls if they want to play basketball. Anything is possible. They can do it, too.' As an honor student, as an athlete on her way to Memphis, Bilqis is an inspiration not simply to Muslim girls – she's an inspiration to all of us."

The president then reflected on the universality of different faiths. "They all contain truths; among those truths are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings. That must always form the basis upon which we find common ground … Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect. And that's one of my fundamental commitments as President, both at home and abroad. That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season."