HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN
in the house of representatives
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NOWRUZ AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF IRANIAN-AMERICANS
Monday, March 15, 2010

 
Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 267, a resolution recognizing Nowruz, a festival celebrating the Persian New Year and arrival of spring. It is a pleasure to join my colleagues in support of the first-ever congressional resolution marking Nowruz, a two-week holiday that is observed by millions of people of Persian descent in the United States, Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and many other nations of the world. The holiday symbolizes renewal, health, happiness, peace and prosperity and is celebrated by adherents of many religions including Islam, Judaism, Zorastrainism, and the Bahai’i faith. It is a special time to share with family and friends and honor cultural traditions that date back more than 3,000 years.

As reflected in this resolution, Nowruz is also a special opportunity to recognize the important contributions of the Iranian-American community to our Nation’s social and economic fabric. In Los Angeles, which is home to the largest Iranian-American community in the United States, there is great pride in the community’s devotion to civic activism, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all those celebrating Nowruz Aideh Shoma Mobarak, a happy and prosperous new year.