The resolution honoring Norooz, introduced last week by Rep. Honda (D-CA), has already attracted 25 cosponsors. After President Obama’s historic video address on the occasion of Norooz, Congress should follow up with their own message to the Iranian people.
Write your representative today and support H.Res. 267, the Norooz Resolution!
update: Rep. Honda’s Norooz message:
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update 2: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) both delivered floor speeches yesterday marking Norooz. Full text below the fold.
IN RECOGNITION OF NOWRUZ, IRANIAN NEW YEAR
HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Monday, March 23, 2009
Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Nowruz, which marks the traditional Iranian New Year and dates back more than 3,000 years. Nowruz, literally meaning “new day,” celebrates the arrival of spring and occurs on the vernal equinox which this year happened on Friday, March 20th.
Through the ages Nowruz has provided the occasion for renewal and rejuvenation, displaying new resolve in settling old issues, and making new beginnings. Nowruz celebrates the core of our common humanity and our relation to Mother Nature. Although colored with vestiges of Iran’s Mazdian and Zoroastrian past, Nowruz celebration is neither religious nor national in nature, nor is it an ethnic celebration. Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, and Christian Iranians as well as many other peoples celebrate Nowruz with the same enthusiasm and sense of belonging.
As an original cosponsor of H. Res. 267, which recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, I am pleased that we are using this occasion to reflect on the many contributions Iranian Americans have made to our society. I am proud of the ethnically diverse district that I represent and greatly appreciate all that Iranian Americans have added to the rich and varied culture of New York City.
Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz and in its observance, I want to wish Iranian Americans and all those who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.
RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF NOWRUZ
HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Monday, March 23, 2009
Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Nowruz, a traditional Persian holiday taking place this week that celebrates the arrival of spring.
Dating back more than 3,000 years, Nowruz is observed by millions of people of Persian descent in the United States, Iran, Iraq, Central Asia, and many other regions of the world. The two-week holiday symbolizes renewal, health, happiness, and prosperity. The holiday’s ecumenical values are celebrated by adherents of many religions including Islam, Judaism, Zorastrianism, and the Bahai’i faith. It is considered a special time to share with family and friends and honor cultural traditions.
Here in the United States, Nowruz serves to remind us of the many noteworthy and lasting contributions of Iranian-Americans to the social and economic fabric of American society. I am pleased to join Iranian-Americans in my congressional district and others around the country and around the world in honoring this special occasion.