EDITOR'S NOTE: This is not a political endorsement of either presidential candidate. We plan to publish material from both political parties throughout the 2016 presidential election. We published this content because we think it is a relevant message about combating hatred, particularly in combating hatred against muslims and other minorities.
First, our thoughts and prayers are with our veterans and those who serve today.
Tonight, we are honored to stand here as the parents of Capt. Humayun Khan, and as patriotic American Muslims with undivided loyalty to our country.
Like many immigrants, we came to this country empty-handed. We believed in American democracy — that with hard work and the goodness of this country, we could share in and contribute to its blessings.
We are blessed to raise our three sons in a nation where they were free to be themselves and follow their dreams. Our son, Humayun, had dreams of being a military lawyer. But he put those dreams aside the day he sacrificed his life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers.
Hillary Clinton was right when she called my son "the best of America."
If it was up to Donald Trump, he never would have been in America.
Donald Trump consistently smears the character of Muslims. He disrespects other minorities, women, judges, even his own party leadership. He vows to build walls and ban us from this country.
Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future. Let me ask you: Have you even read the U.S. Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words "liberty" and "equal protection of law."
Have you ever been to Arlington Cemetery? Go look at the graves of the brave patriots who died defending America — you will see all faiths, genders, and ethnicities.
You have sacrificed nothing and no one.
We cannot solve our problems by building walls and sowing division.
We are Stronger Together.
And we will keep getting stronger when Hillary Clinton becomes our President.
In conclusion I ask every patriotic American, all muslim immigrants, and all immigrants, to not take this election lightly. This is a historic election and I request to honor the sacrifice of my son, and on election day, take the time to get out and vote. And vote for the healer. Vote for the strongest, most qualified candidate, Hillary Clinton, not the divider.
God bless you. Thank you.