[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 143 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE ASSYRIAN COMMUNITY IN CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. DUARTE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 16, 2024

  Mr. DUARTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Assyrian 
community in the Central Valley of California. In particular, 
Stanislaus County has had a long history of Assyrians seeking refuge 
from religious persecution and genocide in their ancestral homelands 
known as Mesopotamia. This vibrant and thriving community is determined 
to preserve the language, heritage, culture, and their identity as 
Christians.
  Over fifty thousand Assyrian Americans call Stanislaus County home. 
The 10th Anniversary of the Assyrian Festival hosted by the Assyrian 
Church of the East local parishes bring thousands of visitors to the 
Turlock Fairgrounds to celebrate the rich heritage, cuisine, and 
traditional dances of the Assyrian culture. The Assyrian language, 
heritage, and culture form the bedrock of Assyrian communities in the 
Central Valley, which anchors them in traditions that span millennia 
while also acting as guiding lights that propel them successfully 
forward while preserving their unique narrative. In addition, the 
Assyrian Church of the East's most ancient faith dating back to the 
first century of Christianity offers this community spiritual 
nourishment. This heritage instills pride, and the language and culture 
fosters unity. Together, they empower the Assyrian people worldwide to 
preserve the rich legacy and advance as a vibrant community, forging 
connections across generations and continents, ensurIng their enduring 
presence in the tapestry of humanity.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me 
in proudly recognizing the Assyrian community in the Central Valley of 
California for its invaluable contributions to our Nation's history, 
culture, and prosperity as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the 
Assyrian Festival this month.

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