Support the Introduction of Legislation Acknowledging Nowruz and the Cyrus Cylinder

February 28, 2013, Washington D.C. – Representatives Henry Waxman (D-33^rd/CA) and Peter Roskam (R-6^th/IL) plan on introducing a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Congress recognizing the Iranian New Year (Nowruz) and acknowledging that the Cyrus Cylinder has, over the centuries, come to symbolize one of mankind’s first documents on human rights.

On loan from the British Museum, the cylinder will be on display starting March 9^th at the Smithsonian Institution’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C., traveling afterwards to Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

In addition to commemorating the tour of the cylinder throughout the U.S., the resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz and acknowledges the hopes and aspirations of all people, including the people of Iran, for human rights and religious tolerance as embodied by the cylinder.

PAAIA has urged the introduction of the Nowruz and Cyrus Cylinder resolution as part of its broader efforts to celebrate and foster greater understanding of Iranian culture, and to project an accurate and positive image of the Iranian American community.  The resolution will mark the first time that members of Congress have introduced a measure recognizing the achievements of Cyrus the Great and his impact on civilization.  Previously, PAAIA worked with Congressman Michael Honda (D-17^th/CA) to help draft and build bipartisan support for legislation in recognition of Nowruz, which passed both chambers of Congress in March 2010.

Click here to read the language of the resolution. 

Click here to ask your representative to sign on as an original cosponsor of the Nowruz & Cyrus Cylinder Resolution.