[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 18 (Friday, January 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2003

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the start of the 
Chinese Lunar New Year in New York City.
  The Year of the Ram is being celebrated on the first day of February, 
2003, as the people of New York join the Asian American community in 
marking the start of a New Year.
  The Ram signifies harmony, reconciliation and peacemaking--both 
politically and personally. This is the year for reconciliation, 
diplomacy and the healing of rifts.
  Since the Ram is also patron of the arts, this year will bring out 
individual creativity, and an increased interest in music and theater.
  After last year's quick pace of the Year of the Horse, the Year of 
the Ram will be a time for quiet introspection. In taking to a slower 
pace of life, this year will be dedicated to spending quality time with 
those closest to us.
  In celebration of the Year of the Ram, our great City will come alive 
with many lively festivals, colorful processions and cultural 
performances. Several neighborhoods in the City will host the 
traditional lion and dragon parades. Streets will be adorned with red 
paper lanterns for the Lantern Festival, and bright decorations and 
lights will hang across storefronts and sidewalks.
  The beginning of the Lunar New Year is a special occasion for Asian 
Americans. It is a time for reflection, for making future plans, and 
for honoring the past. It is an opportunity to share old, treasured 
traditions with friends and family. It is a time for all New Yorkers of 
various ethnic backgrounds to join the Asian American community as they 
look forward to a year of peace, prosperity and good will among all 
people.
  I hereby join the City of New York and the Asian American community 
in celebration of Lunar New Year's Day on February 1, 2003, to mark the 
start of the Year of the Ram.

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