CAPAC and Congressional Leaders Celebrate Lunar New Year
Washington, DC – In honor of the Lunar New Year and to welcome in the Year of the Snake, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Congressional leaders released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair: “As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I send my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year. May you have healthy, happy and prosperous Year of the Snake!”
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), Democratic Leader: “The Lunar New Year is an opportunity for Asian Americans to take stock of the past year and look forward to a period of good fortune in the Year of the Snake. From San Francisco to communities across the country, this holiday affords Asian-American families and all Americans the chance to celebrate our diversity as a source of strength; to rededicate ourselves to the promise of pluralism; to renew our belief in a future enriched by the cultures, contributions, and heritage of Americans of every race, ethnicity, and background.
“San Francisco is blessed with one of the largest and most vibrant Asian-American communities in the country, and I am proud to represent the beauty of our city in Congress. In each generation, the Lunar New Year commemorations of local families remind us of our history as a city and a nation of immigrants – of how every wave of newcomers makes America more American. This year, we will take inspiration from those stories as we work to enact comprehensive immigration reform for our nation.
“May all who celebrate the Year of the Snake enjoy a new year of happiness, joy, health, and wisdom. May all Americans enjoy the blessings of progress, prosperity, and opportunity in the year to come. Gung Hay Fat Choy!”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “I am proud to celebrate, alongside the millions in our nation and billions around the world, the observance of Lunar New Year 2013. The Lunar New Year is a remarkable time when we remember our heritage and ancestors, and rejuvenate the bonds of our family and community through shared blessings, joy and meals. As Chair Emeritus, and as a Japanese-American born to migrant workers, I know firsthand the invaluable contributions Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) made to California’s 17th district and to our nation. I am honored to represent CA-17, where we have the first majority AAPI district in the continental U.S., and where I know AAPIs have uniquely shaped our diversity and community. That is why I will continue to fight to ensure that AAPIs will have a seat at the table of democracy, and in discussions about immigration policy, healthcare, our economy, improving education, and social and civil justice. As we ring in the Year of the Snake, let us also reflect on the foundation of our nation’s union – a union that is bound and strengthened by freedom of cultures, and a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. I wish you all a new year filled with good health, fortune, happiness and peace.”
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08): “It is with great pleasure that I join with the Asian-American Community in celebrating the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year is a time for Asian-Americans to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage and look ahead with hope for happiness, health, and joy in the New Year. Asian-Americans have made our nation stronger and are an example of how important diversity is to the success of America. As the daughter of a Thai immigrant, I am proud to celebrate the Year of the Snake, and wish progress and prosperity to all!”
Congressman Al Green (TX-09): “Xin Nian Kuai Le—Happy Lunar New Year! I trust that the Year of the Snake will be a good one for the economy and business pursuits for all.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13): “This year, we celebrate 2013 as the Year of the Snake – traditionally associated with thoughtfulness, wisdom, and deep morality. My hope for this Lunar Year is that we will carry these important virtues with us as we continue to work on the nation’s most pressing issues.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06): “It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest wishes to all those in New York, the United States and around the world who celebrate the Lunar New Year. I wish everybody and their families happiness, good health and much prosperity. I hope that everybody’s dreams come true. The Lunar New Year is a special and festive time of year that celebrates the important customs and culture of Asian Americans, and recognizes the outstanding vibrancy of the Asian American community. It is with great excitement that I look forward to ushering in the Year of the Snake with all my family, friends, colleagues and constituents, and I wish for nothing but good things for all in the year ahead.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41): “I would like to send my warmest wishes to all who will be celebrating the Lunar New Year this Sunday. The Asian and Pacific Islander communities have brought so much to this great nation and it is with great honor that I recognize this joyous tradition. My hope is that the Year of the Snake brings peace and prosperity for you and your families. Gung Hay Fat Choy!”
Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11): “As we welcome the Year of the Snake, let us give thanks for our families, loved one and friends, and honor the wisdom of our ancestors. I look forward to celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend with my constituents at several different events in my Northern Virginia district.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09): “This weekend, constituents in my district and Asian Americans across the country will celebrate the Lunar New Year, the first day of the Chinese Lunar calendar. Lunar New Year is the most important of the traditional holidays among many Asian cultures, such as Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. February 10th will see millions decorating their homes and businesses in red, which symbolizes luck and prosperity for the occasion.
“Like so many of the wonderful cultural events we celebrate in the U.S., this holiday gives us another opportunity to reflect on the rich diversity that makes our nation so strong. I wish a Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating The Year of the Snake.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-13): “Here in Congress, I work each day to ensure that every constituent, regardless of race or gender, be recognized for their contributions to the American fabric. Lunar New Year should bring out the excitement in us all as we continue to embrace the diversity and cultures of our neighbors and friends of Asian heritage.”