[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NOWRUZ AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF IRANIAN-
                               AMERICANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 15, 2010

  Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 267, a 
resolution recognizing Nowruz, a festival celebrating the Persian New 
Year and arrival of spring.
  It is a pleasure to join my colleagues in support of the first-ever 
congressional resolution marking Nowruz, a two-week holiday that is 
observed by millions of people of Persian descent in the United States, 
Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and many other nations of the world. The 
holiday symbolizes renewal, health, happiness, peace and prosperity and 
is celebrated by adherents of many religions including Islam, Judaism, 
Zorastrainism, and the Bahai'i faith. It is a special time to share 
with family and friends and honor cultural traditions that date back 
more than 3,000 years.
  As reflected in this resolution, Nowruz is also a special opportunity 
to recognize the important contributions of the Iranian-American 
community to our Nation's social and economic fabric. In Los Angeles, 
which is home to the largest Iranian-American community in the United 
States, there is great pride in the community's devotion to civic 
activism, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. I would like to take this 
opportunity to wish all those celebrating Nowruz Aideh Shoma Mobarak, a 
happy and prosperous new year.

                          ____________________