[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E81]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN CELEBRATION OF LUNAR NEW YEAR 4698, THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join members 
of the Asian American Business Development Center in celebration of the 
Lunar New Year, the largest and most festive of all celebrations in 
most of Asia. The Lunar New Year is a time when families and friends 
congregate, when social bonds are strengthened, and life celebrated.
  The celebration of the Lunar New Year, Mr. Speaker, underscores many 
commonalities throughout our diverse cultures, like an appreciation for 
the cyclical nature of life and the need for reunion and renewal. I 
wish everyone in America and throughout Asia who celebrates this 
occasion a very happy New Year full of good fortune and good health.
  This Lunar New Year 4698, which falls on February 5, is a special one 
marking the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese mythology, the Dragon is a 
symbol of supreme power, controlling the wind and rain to benefit the 
earth or, sometimes, unleashing a destructive typhoon.
  Dragons, as we know, are found in Western mythology as well, carved 
on the helm of Viking ships and woven into children's stories about 
European Princesses and gallant knights. The Dragon, then, is very much 
a part of our world culture as is the celebration of the annual renewal 
of life.
  Mr. Speaker, today in New York City, I joined the Asian American 
Business Development Center in celebrating the Lunar New Year. The 
Lunar New Year is a triumphant occasion for millions of people 
throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow Members of Congress 
to join me and the Asian American Business Development Center in 
celebration of this special holiday.




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