House adopts resolution recognizing Nowruz as a day of observance in Virginia

The Virginia House of Delegates on Feb. 11 adopted House Joint Resolution 77, designating the spring equinox each year as Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, by a recorded vote (Ayes 94, No 0, Abstentions 1).

Delegate Reeser of Loudoun County, who sponsored the resolution, told colleagues the observance recognizes the cultural contributions of Iranian Americans in Virginia and the long history of the holiday. “Nowruz literally means ‘new day,’” Reeser said, describing the holiday’s traditions and its significance around the world.

In remarks that placed the resolution in current events, Reeser — speaking as an Iranian American immigrant — said the measure also offers moral support for those in Iran confronting state repression. Reeser said the “regime has outlawed the act of celebrating altogether” and described families marking the holiday as an act of peaceful dissent; those remarks were offered as context for why the House should formally acknowledge Nowruz.

Clerk's roll call closed the recorded vote; the resolution was agreed to and will be engrossed in the House records. The adoption is ceremonial (a joint resolution recognizing a day of observance) and does not create a regulatory or budgetary mandate for state agencies.

The House proceeded with the remainder of its calendar after the vote.