HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-4643

HR 4643

ByRepresentatives Thai, Callan, Fitzgibbon, Gregerson, Leavitt, Ramel, Walen, and Boehnke

WHEREAS, On this 25th day of January in 2020, the people of Washington join the celebration of the Lunar New Year, which is observed in many Asian cultures around the world; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans are an integral component of the diverse fabric of Washington state and are among the fastest growing populations in Washington; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is an important cultural event when Asian Americans celebrate their customs and traditions with traditional foods, costumes, and spiritual practices; and 

WHEREAS, Festivals marking the Lunar New Year take place each year in communities throughout our state, providing opportunities for all to take part in this cultural experience; and

WHEREAS, The current makeup of the Washington State Legislature is the most diverse in our state's history, and therefore a better reflection of the people it serves; and

WHEREAS, This is a time to reflect on our successes and challenges from the past, to learn from those experiences, and create new goals and objectives for the coming year; and

WHEREAS, We commend this Lunar New Year tradition of familial reunion, and hope to reflect these practices as a unified legislative body; and

WHEREAS, In observation of this Lunar New Year, and according to the zodiac calendar observed in many Asian cultures, this year is designated as the Year of the Rat, an animal sign characterized by optimism and energetic qualities that we hope our chamber will strive to emulate;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the House of Representatives commemorates the many contributions of Washington state's Asian American people and communities through recognition of the Lunar New Year.