Source:
Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)
With the passage of H.Res. 267 by the House
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on January 29th of this year, we
are one step closer to having Nowruz officially recognized by the House of
Representatives. For that to happen, the House leadership needs to place it on
the legislative calendar so it can be voted on.
You can help make this happen!
Please take a moment to contact Majority
Leader Steny Hoyer and let him know how much the Nowruz resolution means to you!
At the urging of PAAIA, Congressman Michael Honda (CA-15th) introduced H.Res.
267 into the House of Representatives on March 19, 2009. The resolution
recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, expresses
appreciation to Iranian Americans for their contributions to American society,
and wishes Iranian Americans, the people of Iran, and all those who celebrate
the holiday a prosperous new year.
If passed, it would be the first time that the U.S. Congress has officially
recognized the Iranian New Year.
The
Nowruz resolution is a part of PAAIA's broader efforts to foster greater
understanding of Iranian culture and heritage as well as to project an accurate
and positive image of the Iranian American community that reflects our true
values and achievements. PAAIA has worked with Congressman Honda's office over
this past year to promote the Nowruz resolution and gain co-sponsors. Iranian
Americans around the country have also voiced their support for the Nowruz
resolution directly to their member of Congress throughout the past year.
Click
here to lean more about the Nowruz resolution.
PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THE
MESSAGE BELOW INTO THE WEBFORM PROVIDED AT:
http://democraticleader.house.gov/email_and_rss/email_the_leader/
TO MAKE SURE MAJORITY LEADER
HOYER HEARS YOUR VOICE!
Dear Majority Leader Hoyer:
I am writing as an American of Iranian descent to ask for your assistance in
placing H.Res. 267, a resolution in honor of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, on
the floor of the House of Representatives so that it may be voted on in time for
the Nowruz holiday which starts on March 20th and lasts through April 1st.
Nowruz marks the traditional Iranian New Year and dates back more than 3,000
years. Nowruz, meaning "new day", symbolizes a time of renewal of nature and
creation; reinforces family and community ties; harkens the departure from the
trials and tribulations of the previous year, and brings hope for the New Year.
The Nowruz celebration is neither religious nor national in nature. Iranians of
Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Zoroastrian faiths celebrate it as a
holiday. It is also celebrated throughout many territories that were part of, or
influenced by, Persian culture, including Central Asia, East and South Asia, the
Caucasus, the Crimea, and the Balkans.
Closer to home, this year like previous years, more than one million Iranian
Americans of all backgrounds will be celebrating Nowruz. H.Res. 267 recognizes
the cultural and historical significance of this great holiday, thanks Iranian
Americans for their contributions to American society, and wishes Iranian
Americans, the people of Iran, and all those who observe this holiday a
prosperous New Year.
With the approval of H.Res. 267 by the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, the Nowruz Resolution is ready to be placed on the House
floor so that it may be voted on. Please join Congressman Michael Honda and the
55 cosponsors in supporting H.Res. 267 by placing it on the House of
Representatives' legislative calendar.
Information about Norouz
and events across the globe
Persian New Year 1389
New Year, Norouz 1389 - 2010 Times
Articles on Norouz:
Norouz is a
Celebration of Life
Norouz : Persian
New Year
Norouz, the (Iranians) New Year and the Haft-Sin Symbolism
