[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 10 (Friday, January 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E64]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE CITIZENS' 
  STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AS AN ENTITY OF THE UNITED STATES POSTAL 
SERVICE, SHOULD ISSUE A COMMEMORATIVE STAMP IN HONOR OF THE HOLIDAY OF 
                                 DIWALI

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 25, 2013

  Ms. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
introduce the House Resolution Expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, as an 
entity of the United States Postal Service, should issue a 
commemorative stamp in honor of the holiday of Diwali. I am proud to be 
joined in this effort by my colleagues Congresswoman Grace Meng and 
Congressman Ami Bera.
  This House Resolution urges the United States Postal Service to issue 
a stamp in honor of the holiday Diwali. Meaning ``row of lights,'' 
Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the awareness of one's 
inner light, the dispelling of ignorance, and bringing peace and joy 
through the awakening gained from this higher knowledge. Also marking 
the beginning of the Hindu New Year, this festive and important Indian 
holiday is observed in America, and across the globe, by Hindus, Sikhs, 
Christians, Jains, and Buddhists.
  But despite the significance of this holiday, the United States 
Postal Service has yet to merit Diwali with the same recognition as 
other major religious holidays for which stamps are issued such as 
Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Eid.
  As one of the world's oldest religious holidays, Diwali has survived 
political, economic and social changes throughout history, while always 
carrying the universal symbolism of the victory of light, goodness, 
knowledge and truth. It is long overdue that we honor this significant 
holiday with a postage stamp of its own.

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