[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 49 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF NOWRUZ

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                          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.

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