The White House held a traditional break-the-fast Iftar dinner in celebration of Ramadan Wednesday night.

President Barak Obama used the occasion to thanks Muslims for their service to the country.

"Like so many faiths, Islam has always been part of our American family and Muslim Americans have long contributed to the strength and character of our country in all walks of life," Obama told the dinner audience.

The president said that, with the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 coming in a month, it was a good time to remember that people of many backgrounds died in the 2001 attacks, including Muslim Americans.

He noted that Muslim Americans also responded to the attacks on the towers and that they defend the country in the military.

The president said that in the U.S., "there's no them and us - it's just us."

Since becoming president Obama has hosted an Iftar dinner annually, as did his predecessor George W. Bush.