HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2021-4606

HR 4606

ByRepresentatives Thai, Wicks, Cody, Entenman, Bateman, Shewmake, Berry, Wylie, Dolan, Senn, Bronoske, Springer, Taylor, Simmons, Ryu, Fitzgibbon, Davis, Ramel, Orwall, Dufault, Macri, Kloba, Callan, Ramos, Morgan, Harris-Talley, Stonier, Paul, Slatter, Fey, Walen, Valdez, Gregerson, and Santos

WHEREAS, On this 12th day of February 2021, the people of Washington join the celebration of the Lunar New Year to distinguish Asian American joy, culture, and diversity; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year begins on the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar; and

WHEREAS, This year is designated as the Year of the Ox, a zodiac sign characterized by diligence, persistence, and honesty that we hope our chamber will strive to emulate; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of the Lunar New Year exhibits Washington's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and honoring the sacrifices of our Asian American ancestors; and

WHEREAS, Washington is home to nearly nine hundred thousand Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who are an integral component of the diverse fabric of our state; and

WHEREAS, We highlight the strength of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who were disproportionately impacted by Covid-19; and

WHEREAS, We acknowledge the resilience of Asian American frontline employees, essential workers, and small businesses through the challenges of the pandemic this year; and

WHEREAS, We recognize the perseverance of Asian communities who withstood xenophobia and racism for generations and from this pandemic; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is a time to reflect on our successes and challenges from the past, to learn from those experiences, and to 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;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives stand in solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander American community to celebrate heritage, cultural unity, and brand new beginnings through the acknowledgment of the Lunar New Year.