In Celebration of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year

With the cold winter months giving way to the rebirth of spring, Iranians around the world will gather to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Nowruz is a celebration of renewal and an opportunity to look to the future. For thousands of years, the people of Persia have celebrated this important holiday, regardless of religious background or affiliation, and the tradition of bringing family and friends together for joyous celebrations to mark the start of a new season and a new year. As people of Iranian heritage the world over mark this occasion, I extend my best wishes for the new year and my hope that this Nowruz heralds a year that will bring the Iranian people and the American people closer together.