[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PERSIAN NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam 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 a.m. 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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