HR1344: HR1344 Lunar New Year Celebration; recognize

26 LC 129 1086 House Resolution 1344 By: Representatives Tran of the 80th, Hong of the 103rd, Au of the 50th, Lim of the 98th, and Byrd of the 20th A RESOLUTION Recognizing the Lunar New Year Celebration; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, February 17, 2026, mark s the beginning of the Lunar Ne w Year, which is2 celebrated in many Asian communities around the world, includin g the United States and3 especially in Georgia; and4 WHEREAS, Georgia is home to nearly 500,000 Asian and Pacific Is lander Americans of5 Bangladeshi, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Indonesian, Iu-Mien, Japanese,6 Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, a nd Vietnamese descent,7 which is approximately 4 percent of Georgia's total population; and8 WHEREAS, the Asian and Pacific Islander American community has contributed to the9 social, cultural, civic, economic, and academic success of the State of Georgia; and10 WHEREAS, the Lunar New Year is predominately celebrated by Chin ese, Korean, and11 Vietnamese residents of Georgia, who account for approximately 200,000 Georgians; and12 H. R. 1344 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1086 WHEREAS, this Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, will be universally celebrated by13 these communities as a time to renew family ties and to start the new year with a clean slate;14 and15 WHEREAS, the celebration of the Lunar New Year in communities t hroughout Georgia16 illustrates the state's rich cultural history and commitment to racial, religious, and cultural17 diversity.18 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that19 the members of this body join Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the state20 in celebrating February 17, 2026, as the beginning of the Lunar New Year and extend best21 wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Lunar New Year to all Georgians.22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized23 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the24 public and the press.25 H. R. 1344 - 2 -