Recognizing Cambodian New Year
Floor Speech
Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House to join me in acknowledging the New Year, the year of the dragon.
The Cambodian New Year is one of the major celebrations in the Cambodian culture. This time of year also represents the end of the harvest season and allows farmers to enjoy the fruits of their harvest. The celebration lasts for three days which during this time they spend time visiting family and friends. Each day has a name and activities that honor the elder's for their sacrifice for the younger generation.
I am proud that more Cambodians reside in Long Beach, which is located in my Congressional District, than anywhere outside of the nation of Cambodia. This past Saturday, April 21, 2012, nearly 20,000 people celebrated the Cambodian New Year in El Dorado Regional Park in the city of Long Beach. Long Beach certainly was the place to celebrate Cambodian New Year! I consider the opportunity to celebrate the Cambodian New Year every year as one of the great privileges associated with being a Member of Congress from the 37th Congressional District.
I congratulate the Cambodian-Coordinating Council (CCC) for organizing this especially unique and uplifting event, which is one of the highlights of the spring season every year in the 37th Congressional District. This is especially gratifying to me since as a Long Beach City Councilperson I worked closely with the members of the Cambodian community to ensure the festival continues to be held in Long Beach and know firsthand how the CCC has assisted the Cambodian-American population to be self-sufficient, productive members of society and to bridge the gaps that exist between cultures, languages, and generations.
I thank the many community organizations and volunteers for their efforts to ensure the success of the Cambodian New Year Festival. Most importantly, I thank the CCC for providing this opportunity to experience and appreciate the people and culture of Cambodia. I Congratulate the CCC on another successful Cambodian New Year Festival and I look forward to next year's festivities.
Happy Cambodian New Year!
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