[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1024]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             ASIAN NEW YEAR

  Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, today, February 12, 2002, is the first 
day of the new lunar year. Americans of Asian heritage are celebrating 
the beginning of the Year of the Horse. This is an occasion for Asian 
Americans to gather with their families, think of those who have passed 
away, enjoy symbolic foods, and usher in good luck and health for the 
year to come.
  As a Nation of immigrants, we all share in this time of celebration 
and salute the rich customs and energy that people of Asian descent 
have contributed to America. I am proud that the State of New Jersey is 
home to over 480,000 Asians and Asian Americans, representing the fifth 
largest community in the United States. Asian American New Jerseyans 
are an important and valued part of our diverse and vital community. In 
these troubled times, I hope you will join me in sharing in celebration 
and remembrance and help to reaffirm the importance of mutual respect 
and diversity in our Nation.

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