[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR--THE YEAR OF THE TIGER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join with the 
millions of Asian-Americans who are celebrating the Lunar New Year and 
welcoming year 4708, the Year of the Tiger. The origin of Lunar New 
Year is centuries old and is the most important celebration in the 
Lunar Calendar. It is also recognized as the Spring Festival. The 
celebrations traditionally last for 15 days and provide an opportunity 
to give thanks for one's blessings, celebrate family, resolve 
arguments, and prepare the community to embark on a new year with hope 
and charity.
  In Chicago, the Lunar New Year was celebrated on February 14, 2010 
with the 27th annual Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in Chicago's 
Chinatown, which I am proud to say resides in my Congressional 
District. Approximately 40,000 Chicagoans enjoy a Chinese heritage. 
Restaurants celebrated the holiday by serving special dishes, and 
thousands of people attend multiple events to commemorate and cherish 
the traditions of the New Year.
  Every year, thousands of Asian-Americans will gather with their 
families and friends to enjoy the New Year festivities and the company 
of loved ones. The New Year offers a time for sweeping away misfortune 
and welcoming the New Year with hopes of prosperity and good luck. We 
should all take advantage of the opportunity to explore and share in 
this treasured tradition with family and friends. Embracing this 
tradition honors the richness of our diversity as Americans.
  I congratulate the Asian-American community for their successes and 
thank them for their contributions to our country this past year. And I 
wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. I wish all 
a Gong Hay Fat Choy.

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