Respect for religion is a long-held value in the United States, and freedom to practice one’s faith is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

At the dedication of the Islamic Center of Washington on June 28, 1957, first lady Mamie Eisenhower and President Dwight D. Eisenhower stood shoeless as they admired architectural details pointed out by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khayyal, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador.

President Eisenhower stressed Americans’ respect for religion, assuring Muslims that “under the American Constitution, under American tradition, and in American hearts, this Center, this place of worship, is just as welcome as could be a similar edifice of any other religion. Indeed, America would fight with her whole strength for your right to have here your own church and worship according to your own conscience.” (© AP Images)