[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5462]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House to join me 
in acknowledging the New Year, the year of the dragon.
  The Cambodian New Year is one of the major celebrations in the 
Cambodian culture. This time of year also represents the end of the 
harvest season and allows farmers to enjoy the fruits of their harvest. 
The celebration lasts for three days which during this time they spend 
time visiting family and friends. Each day has a name and activities 
that honor the elder's for their sacrifice for the younger generation.
  I am proud that more Cambodians reside in Long Beach, which is 
located in my Congressional District, than anywhere outside of the 
nation of Cambodia. This past Saturday, April 21, 2012, nearly 20,000 
people celebrated the Cambodian New Year in El Dorado Regional Park in 
the city of Long Beach. Long Beach certainly was the place to celebrate 
Cambodian New Year! I consider the opportunity to celebrate the 
Cambodian New Year every year as one of the great privileges associated 
with being a Member of Congress from the 37th Congressional District.
  I congratulate the Cambodian-Coordinating Council (CCC) for 
organizing this especially unique and uplifting event, which is one of 
the highlights of the spring season every year in the 37th 
Congressional District. This is especially gratifying to me since as a 
Long Beach City Councilperson I worked closely with the members of the 
Cambodian community to ensure the festival continues to be held in Long 
Beach and know firsthand how the CCC has assisted the Cambodian-
American population to be self-sufficient, productive members of 
society and to bridge the gaps that exist between cultures, languages, 
and generations.
  I thank the many community organizations and volunteers for their 
efforts to ensure the success of the Cambodian New Year Festival. Most 
importantly, I thank the CCC for providing this opportunity to 
experience and appreciate the people and culture of Cambodia. I 
congratulate the CCC on another successful Cambodian New Year Festival 
and I look forward to next year's festivities.
  Happy Cambodian New Year!

                          ____________________