Local Muslim military families speak out about Khizr Khan comments
(FOX 11) - Doug Burpee's home is adorned with passages of the Quran and pictures of military choppers.
The retired marine colonel is an American Muslim who served in the U.S. military for more than 30 years, part of it in Afghanistan.
Here at home, he's now battling the fear some have of his religion.
It's fear further fueled by Trump's calls to ban Muslims from this country...and challenged last week by Khizr and Ghazala khan, also Muslim, the gold star parents of a soldier who died saving the lives of his fellow Americans.
"Many people have told me, Doug, your community needs to stand up and speak out. That was a perfect opportunity to stand up and speak out and he did it exactly how any other American should have done," said Burpee.
Burpee's close friend, who didn't want to be named, currently has two sons serving as marine officers, and says Khan's words came as a relief.
"It was very touching to me because I considered that speech the most important speech in the history of American Muslims in this country...It gave an awakening and an epiphany to all Americans that we Muslims are here and we're willing to make the ultimate sacrifice whether it's our sons or daughters to fight for this country and to even die for this country," said the dad.
Burpee hopes the voices provide a new perspective on a misunderstood religion.
"America need to hear that Muslims are Americans and they're serving this county. They just need to hear it," said Burpee.