Happy Lunar New Year From Mike Honda

The Chinese New Year is Sunday, Feb. 10. Congressman Mike Honda (D-San Jose) represents the 17th Congressional District and had this wish for his constituents on his Facebook page on Friday:

I am proud to celebrate alongside the millions in our nation and billions around the world, the observance of Lunar New Year 2013.

The Lunar New Year is a remarkable time when we remember our heritage and ancestors, and rejuvenate the bonds of our family and community through shared blessings, joy and meals.

As Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and as a Japanese-American born to migrant workers, I know firsthand the invaluable contributions Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) made to California’s 17th district and to our nation.

In fact, I am honored to represent CA-17, where we have the first majority AAPI district in the continental U.S., and where I know AAPIs have uniquely shaped our diversity and community. That is why I will continue to fight to ensure that AAPIs will have a seat at the table of democracy, and in discussions of immigration, healthcare, economy, education and social and civil justice. As we ring in the Year of the Snake, let us also reflect on the foundation of our nation’s union—a union that is bound and strengthened by freedom of cultures, and a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

I wish you all a new year filled with good health, fortune, happiness and peace.