Monday, April 11, 2016

White House Hosts Nowruz Celebration

The White House last Wednesday hosted its annual Nowruz celebration.  Nowruz is the Persian New Year celebrated as a secular holiday by many in the Middle East and central Asia, and celebrated as a religious holiday by Zoroastrians. (Wikipedia). First Lady Michelle Obama spoke at the East Room reception (full text of remarks), saying in part:
We think America is strongest when we recognize our many traditions, when we celebrate our diversity, and when we lift each other up.... We are a nation of immigrants.  And we should cherish the talent and energy and the beautiful traditions and cultures that come with that heritage, not just today but every day.