Thousands of people attended the Fourth of July Parade in Bothell on Monday, including dozens of local Muslims condemning terrorism.
They carried a banner that read "Bothell Muslims Condemn Terrorism." and wore red, white and blue in the parade. They also carried American flags.
They hoped the message of peace would help at a time when threats have been made against local mosques.
"I'm proud to be an American Muslim," said Souad Mustafa, wearing a headscarf with an American flag pattern. "We are all American. We are all the same. We care about each other."
Follow this link to see photos of the Bothell Fourth of July parade.
Zainab Altamaami, 26, is a pediatrician from Baghdad getting her graduate degree in Public Health at the University of Washington.
"I've seen this on TV or movies, a couple of years ago, I want to be a part of this," said Altamaami, who carried an American flag in the parade.
She said the last nine months she has spent in Bothell have shown her what peace means.
"I feel like I'm not the same. When you try what peace looks like and when you think back, your memories, you're not the same."
The crowd clapped and cheered when about 40 members of Bothell's Muslim community walked in the parade.
"It's wonderful to see them as a part of our community because we love them and respect them and want them to be included," said Laurie Rohrich of Woodinville.
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