Assembly Resolution No. 855 BY: M. of A. Kim COMMEMORATING the Asian American community's celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, on February 10, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor, with pleasure and great pride, the Asian American community of the State of New York upon the occasion of the celebration of the Lunar New Year; and WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is a festival of great importance in Asian American across America and in many countries around the world; the celebration of the Lunar New Year is fundamental to numerous cultures and promotes goodwill and self-reflection; it is a joyous occasion welcomed annually with distinctive festivities and much preparation; the celebration of the Lunar New Year is a tradition by which Asian Americans proclaim the arrival of a new year and look forward to what it will bring; and WHEREAS, According to legend, Buddha invited the animals of the world to visit him, rewarding those who came by naming a year in their honor; each animal, in turn, gave its characteristics to those born during its year; and WHEREAS, On February 10, 2024, in accordance with their calendar and beliefs, Asian Americans will joyously usher in the Year of the Dragon; and WHEREAS, People born in the Year of the Dragon are known to be brave, intelligent, gregarious tenacious, and energetic; and WHEREAS, Those born under the sign of the Dragon are known to show strong leadership abilities, have great ambitions, and be blessed with good fortune; and WHEREAS, In times of adversity, those born under the sign of the Dragon remain steadfast in their convictions and ideals, confident in their own abilities, and benevolent and generous to other; and WHEREAS, The noteworthy values and traditions of Asian cultures and their many contributions in commerce, as well as the arts and sciences, have left a substantial impact on our global community, and the contributions of Asian Americans are particularly esteemed within this great Empire State and are acknowledged for their outstanding merit and value; and WHEREAS, Recognizing the significance of their contributions to the City and the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to honor all New Yorkers of Asian ancestry, joining with them in welcoming the Year of the Dragon, on February 10, 2024; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the Asian American community's celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, on February 10, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to distinguished members of the Asian American community.