WHEREAS, The spring equinox is celebrated as Nowruz, the Persian New Year, originating in ancient Persia more than 3,000 years ago and this year occurring on March 20th; and

WHEREAS, Nowruz is celebrated by nearly 300 million people across the globe of different faiths and diverse communities, and by more than 1,000,000 Iranian-Americans including tens of thousands in Washington state, including those with Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and nonreligious backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, The United States is a melting pot of ethnicities and religions and Nowruz contributes to the richness of American culture and is consistent with our founding principles of peace and prosperity for all; and

WHEREAS, In this time where mistrust and fear often threaten to divide us, the spirit of Nowruz inspires us to realize our commonalities, and strive for new levels of compassion, understanding, and love for our fellow human beings regardless of religion or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS, Iranian-Americans have made and continue to make noteworthy and lasting contributions to the social and economic fabric of society in the United States, and Nowruz presents a time to recognize those contributions; and

WHEREAS, Iranian-Americans continue to make contributions in all sectors of public life in the United States, including as government, military, and law enforcement officials working to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to protect all people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Nowruz means "New Day," and represents the possibilities of a new season, and the opportunity for renewal of our human spirit;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate celebrate the honored holiday of Nowruz, recognize the historical and cultural significance thereof, and wish a happy and prosperous new year to all.