HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4678, by Representatives Farivar, Waters,
Fitzgibbon, Taylor, Pollet, Leavitt, Thai, Ryu, Berry, Duerr, Fosse, Ortiz-Self,
Morgan, Walen, Bateman, Gregerson, Bronoske, Kloba, Senn, Goodman, Reeves, Orwall,
Simmons, Robertson, Springer, Street, Peterson, Chapman, Mena, Callan, Doglio,
Stonier, Ramel, Santos, Hutchins, Macri, Cortes, Paul, and Slatter
1 WHEREAS, The Persian New Year, or Nowruz, originated in the
2 Iranian plateau more than 3,000 years ago and is celebrated annually
3 marking the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere, which this
4 year will fall on March 19th at 8:06 p.m.; and
5 WHEREAS, Nowruz is a significant cultural holiday for individuals
6 in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and many other
7 countries which is celebrated by nearly 300 million people across the
8 globe of different faiths and cultures, particularly in and by more
9 than 1 million Americans, including tens of thousands in Washington
10 state; and
11 WHEREAS, Nowruz welcomes spring and regrowth after winter and
12 periods of cold and dormancy and it celebrates nature, life, and
13 opportunity for regrowth and blossoming; and
14 WHEREAS, In this time where mistrust and fear often threaten to
15 divide us, the spirit of Nowruz inspires us to realize our
16 commonalities and strive for new levels of compassion, understanding,
17 and love for our fellow human beings irrespective of religion or
18 ethnicity; and
19 WHEREAS, Many Middle Eastern and Central Asian individuals
20 immigrate to Washington to flee persecution for their beliefs,
21 seeking personal and religious freedoms in the United States; and
22 WHEREAS, Middle Eastern and Central Asians are an important part
23 of our communities and continue to make noteworthy and lasting
p. 1 HR 4678
 1 contributions to Washington state through their leadership in
2 business, government, higher education, medicine, military service,
3 law, social justice, and many other arenas; and
4 WHEREAS, Nowruz presents a fitting opportunity to recognize these
5 contributions and the resilience of the Middle Eastern and Central
6 Asian communities who continue to advocate for their communities; and
7 WHEREAS, Nowruz is a time for all of us to come together to
8 reflect on the year that has passed and celebrate the universal
9 values of generosity, compassion, selflessness, and community
10 stewardship in the year ahead;
11 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
12 celebrate the honored holiday of Nowruz; recognize the historical and
13 cultural significance thereof; stand with the communities that
14 celebrate Nowruz in times of crisis and in times of celebration; and
15 wish a happy and prosperous new year to all.
--- END ---
p. 2 HR 4678