Congresswoman Sanchez Issues Statement on Nowruz for the Congressional Record

Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez
Persian New Year Resolution
Statement for the Record
March 19, 2009

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge 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 will happen exactly on Friday, March 20th at 7:44 am eastern daylight time. It symbolizes a time of renewal, harkening the departure from the trials and tribulations of the previous year and bringing hope for the New Year. It is celebrated by more than three hundred million Iranians and other peoples all over the world.

Closer to home, more than one million Iranian Americans of all backgrounds, including those of Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Zoroastrian faiths, will be celebrating Nowruz. Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of this day and in its honor, I express my appreciation for the contributions of Iranian-Americans to American society and wish all those who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.
 

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