March 27, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 53 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H2839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR

  (Mr. HARDER of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HARDER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish the 
Assyrian community in the Central Valley and across the world a Happy 
New Year.
  One of my fondest memories growing up in Turlock was spending 
afternoons with my Assyrian neighbor, who was like a grandmother to me. 
Her name was Nana Bitpera.
  Every day, she would pick grape leaves in her backyard while she made 
rice, so my brother and I could enjoy fresh, homemade dolmas after 
school.
  She would tell me stories about the incredible contributions of the 
Assyrian culture to art and literature: how Assyrians built the first 
human cities, were the first to domesticate crops, and how they 
literally invented the wheel.
  She also told me about the centuries of persecution that Assyrians 
faced that caused so many to come for a new future in America.
  Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the year 6769, I want to tell the 
Assyrian community how grateful I am to be their neighbor, and may this 
new year bring their families joy and happiness.

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