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U.S. Marine Corps Establishes Its First Islamic Prayer Center

Center intended to serve Muslim personnel, teach about Islamic faith

The first Islamic prayer center on a U.S. Marine Corps base opened June 6 at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia in a ceremony attended by active Marines, Muslim veterans and Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England.

The center will serve the religious needs of Muslim service personnel and help teach others about the Islamic faith, England said, noting that more than 4,000 Americans of the Muslim faith currently serve "with distinction and honor" in the U.S. armed forces, assisting with military missions as part of the War on Terror and humanitarian relief operations.

Followers of Islam have served in the U.S. forces for more than a century, England said, and "like millions of other Americans, have always stepped forward to answer the call when freedom is threatened."

By teaching others about Islam, the center "will foster a better understanding of the rich cultural diversity and traditions" that Americans value, according to the deputy secretary.

Americans believe in liberty and freedom, England said. One of the core principals of these beliefs is freedom of religion, he said.

The prayer center will serve as a temporary facility for military personnel and their families. A new building for the center will be built on the base. It is expected to open in 2009.

Source: U.S. Department of State