I send greetings to Muslims around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.
Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham's devotion to God, and it reminds us of God's mercy and provision for his people. Abraham's deep faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice his son. Although Abraham was set to faithfully obey, God provided an alternate sacrifice that spared his son. During this holiday, Muslims around the world honor Abraham's trust in God and celebrate God's love through acts of charity and joyous feasts with family, friends, and others in their community.
Our Nation is blessed by vibrant Muslim communities. On this holiday, all Americans celebrate our religious liberty, and we remember that religious freedom belongs not to any one nation but to the world.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed holiday.
GEORGE W. BUSH
NOTE: An original was not available for verification of the content of this message.
George W. Bush, Message on the Observance of Eid al-Adha Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/285378