For the millions of people who trace their heritage to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the New Year with the arrival of spring. This cherished and ancient festival brings together family and friends to reflect on what has come before and celebrate a season of new beginnings.

Our country is proud to be a land where individuals from many different cultures can pass their traditions on to future generations. The diversity of America brings joy to our citizens and strengthens our Nation during Nowruz and throughout the year.

Laura and I send our best wishes to all those celebrating Nowruz, both here in the United States and abroad. May the year ahead be filled with peace and many blessings.

GEORGE W. BUSH

A traditional Haft Sin table celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is seen set Wednesday, March 19, 2008, in the State Dining Room of the White House. Nowruz is, in Persian and some other cultures, including Kurdish culture, a family-oriented holiday celebrating the New Year and the coming of spring. The Haft Sin table has seven items symbolizing new life, joy, love, beauty and health, sunrise, patience and garlic to ward off evil.
White House photo by Chris Greenberg.

Presidential Message: Nowruz (March 20, 2006)

I send greetings to those celebrating Nowruz.

Nowruz is an ancient celebration marking the arrival of the New Year. For millions of people around the world wh o trace their heritage to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia, Nowruz is a celebrati on of life and an opportunity to express joy and happiness through visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, a nd enjoying the beauty of nature.

Our Nation is blessed by the traditions and contributions of Americans of many different backgrounds. Our divers ity has made us stronger and better, and Laura and I send warm regards to all Americans celebrating Nowruz.

Best wishes for peace and prosperity in the New Year.

GEORGE W. BUSH

March 2005

I send greetings to those celebrating Nowruz. Many Americans who trace their heritage to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Central Asia observe this special occasion to preserve their rich heritage and ensure that their values and traditions are passed on to future generations. This festival also reminds all Americans of the diversity that has made our Nation stronger and better.

Laura and I send our best wishes for peace and prosperity in the New Year.

GEORGE W. BUSH

I send greetings to Iranian Americans observing Nowruz, the traditional Persian New Year.

Nowruz is a special time to celebrate with family and friends, honor cultural heritage, and enjoy holiday traditions. It is also a time to celebrate the arrival of spring in anticipation of the opportunities of the new year.

During this joyous season, I encourage people of all faiths to pray for peace and mutual understanding throughout the world. Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a joyous New Year filled with health and happiness.

George W. Bush

During Nowruz, people of Iranian descent celebrate the arrival of spring, a season of rebirth. This joyous occasion provides an opportunity for Persians to cherish their rich heritage and enjoy the company of family and friends in anticipation of happiness and blessings in the year ahead.

This year's observance comes during a challenging time for our Nation and the world. As the international community works to face great challenges and embrace important opportunities, America remains committed to peace, justice, and opportunity for all people. Throughout this time of renewal, we remain dedicated to bringing hope and freedom to troubled regions around the world.

Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a joyous celebration to you, your families, and your relatives and friends in Iran.

GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America

For Immediate Release ... Contact: Katharine Lister, 202-712-3000

March 18, 2004

Statement from John Kerry on the Persian New Year

On the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, I am delighted to send a heartfelt Aideh Shoma Mobarak . Happy New Year to you . to the Persian-American community.

Nowruz is a harbinger of renewal and regeneration, marking the passage from the gray of winter to nature.s rebirth in spring. For centuries, this has been a day to celebrate life with families and friends, to give thanks for nature.s bounty, to reaffirm bonds of family and friendship, and look forward to a future of hope, health, and happiness.

We should take this opportunity to honor the contributions the Persian-American community has made to our country. I hope your celebration is joyous and this New Year brings you continued success..

www.johnkerry.com

March 20, 2004

Persian New Year

I am please to offer warm greetings to all Californians celebrating the Persian New Year, Norooz.

The Persian New Year is a distinctive cultural occasion in California and around the world. It is a time to renew hopes, friendships and resolutions as we leave winter behind and enter the spring season with its promise of new life and rejuvenation.

I send my best wishes for a memorable celebration.

Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger