The U.S. Congress is considering a first-of-its kind resolution that congratulates Iranians and Iranian-Americans on the Norouz holiday.
Representative Mike Honda (Democrat-California), who represents voters in a northern California district, authored the resolution, which reads: "[To recognize] the cultural and historical significance of Norouz, expressing appreciation to Iranian Americans for their contributions to society, and wishing Iranian Americans and the people of Iran a prosperous new year."
The National Iranian American Council said the resolution "is an effort to send a positive signal from the U.S. Congress to the people of Iran."
That's important, the council said, "given President [Barack] Obama's efforts to create a new atmosphere between the United States and other nations."
The resolution is simply an expression of opinion by Congress. It was sent to a committee for discussion.
Norouz -- which marks the first day of spring and usually celebrated on March 22 -- is also a holiday in the five Central Asian states and Afghanistan, among others.
-- Heather Maher
Representative Mike Honda (Democrat-California), who represents voters in a northern California district, authored the resolution, which reads: "[To recognize] the cultural and historical significance of Norouz, expressing appreciation to Iranian Americans for their contributions to society, and wishing Iranian Americans and the people of Iran a prosperous new year."
The National Iranian American Council said the resolution "is an effort to send a positive signal from the U.S. Congress to the people of Iran."
That's important, the council said, "given President [Barack] Obama's efforts to create a new atmosphere between the United States and other nations."
The resolution is simply an expression of opinion by Congress. It was sent to a committee for discussion.
Norouz -- which marks the first day of spring and usually celebrated on March 22 -- is also a holiday in the five Central Asian states and Afghanistan, among others.
-- Heather Maher