Lunar New Year

WHEREAS, On this 29th day of January in 2025, the people of the 1
great state of Washington unite to celebrate Lunar New Year, joining 2
to distinguish Asian American joy, cultures, and beautiful diversity; 3
and 4
WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year has been celebrated for thousands of 5
years, first recorded in the 200s BC and begins on the first new moon 6
of the lunisolar calendar; and 7
WHEREAS, This year is designated as the Year of the Snake, an 8
animal characterized by transformation, renewal, and growth, bringing 9
symbols of adaptability and prosperity to the year; and10
WHEREAS, Washington acknowledges both the rich heritage and 11
historical trauma of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific 12
Islander ancestors; and 13
WHEREAS, We deeply appreciate the many contributions of the Asian 14
American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities that have 15
made Washington a vibrant place for us all to call home, through 16
building and supporting their communities despite the persistent 17
discriminations and violence they may have faced in the past and 18
present; and 19
WHEREAS, The history of Asian Americans in the United States is 20
marked by exclusion and prejudice, from the Chinese Exclusion Act to 21
the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the 22
scars of these events still resonate today; and 23
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4604 , by Representatives Thai, Thomas, Zahn,
Richards, Mena, Pollet, Wylie, Taylor, Reed, Farivar, Tharinger, Fitzgibbon, Walen,
Nance, Cortes, Timmons, Berg, Ryu, Street, Callan, Obras, Salahuddin, Bernbaum,
Macri, Fey, Ramel, and Parshley
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WHEREAS, Despite these challenges, the Asian American, Native 1
Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have enriched our nation 2
with countless contributions in science, technology, arts, and 3
culture, weaving themselves into the very fabric of Washington; and4
WHEREAS, Recognizing and celebrating Lunar New Year affirms the 5
value of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 6
communities and fosters a deeper understanding of our diverse 7
traditions, sending a signal to future generations that their 8
heritage is respected and celebrated; and 9
WHEREAS, In 2024, legislation was passed in Washington state to 10
establish Lunar New Year as a state-recognized holiday, sending a 11
clear message that inclusion matters; and 12
WHEREAS, We highlight the solidarity and strength of the Asian 13
American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities rooted in 14
the culture that respects its ancestry and supports its descendants; 15
and 16
WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is a time to reflect, to celebrate 17
family and community, and to learn and understand the past as we look 18
towards renewal and growth; and 19
WHEREAS, We step into the Year of the Snake not just as 20
individuals, but as a family united in compassion and community 21
stewardship; 22
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives 23
stand with the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 24
communities in times of crisis and in times of celebration, we come 25
together now to reflect on the year past and envision new beginnings 26
in acknowledgment of the Lunar New Year; and 27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Lunar New Year sends a message 28
of hope and unity, reaffirming our commitment to creating a nation 29
where every individual feels valued and respected, and where the dark 30
chapters of our past serve as reminders of the future for which we 31
must strive. 32
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