Story highlights Khizr Khan: We have received overwhelming support and kindness from all corners of American life

I ask Americans to show their better selves come November -- to reject fear, reject hatred, reject division, he says

Khizr Khan is a Pakistani-American lawyer and the father of the late Humayun Khan. He spoke at the Democratic National Convention. The views expressed are his own.

(CNN) When I took to the stage to speak at the Democratic National Convention last week, I did so to honor my son, Humayun, who was killed 12 years ago while serving in the U.S. military in Iraq. But I also spoke to remind the American people that American Muslims are an integral thread of the American tapestry.

And that's why I am also writing this now.

My wife and I have received an overwhelming level of support and kindness from all corners of American life since we appeared on the stage in Philadelphia. This is the America that Humayun, and others like him, fought and died for. This is why we came to this country, and this is why there is no other like it in the history of humanity -- a country that can set aside differences and celebrate the common human experience freely.

Khizr Khan

We also appreciate the statements about our son from Speaker Paul Ryan, Sen. Mitch McConnell, and Donald Trump.

"Many Muslim-Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Capt. Khan was one such brave example," Ryan said

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