This
week, I would like to send my best wishes to all those around the world
celebrating the wonderful ancient holiday of Nowruz. Many millions of
people of Iranian,
Iraqi, Turkish, South Asian, and Central Asian heritage will come
together with their families during this time to commemorate the arrival
of spring.
Nowruz
means “new day” in Persian. It is an occasion to celebrate new
beginnings, a sentiment that is particularly meaningful for so many
Iranians who have come
to our country in recent decades to make a new start in a free land.
For
many years, I have greatly enjoyed wonderful friendships with
Iranian-Americans, one of the most successful immigrant groups in our
country’s contemporary
history. They come from diverse religious backgrounds—including Muslim,
Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, and Baha’i—but all share an affection
for their ancestral heritage.
Cyrus
the Great, a leader of the ancient Persian Empire, famously said that
“[f]reedom, dignity, and wealth together constitute the greatest
happiness of humanity.
If you bequeath all three to your people, their love for you will never
die.”
To
the Iranian people and all those around the world celebrating Nowruz:
On behalf of the American people, I wish you freedom, dignity, and
wealth.
Nowruz Pirouz (Happy Nowruz).
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
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