Catherine Baker Knoll, Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Ni Hao to my friends in the Asian community. There is something wonderful about common sense. When I was invited to deliver a message about the Chinese New Year, I considered to do so entirely in the beautiful language of the Chinese people. That is where common sense came to my rescue. I accepted the reality that any such attempt would reveal my limitations concerning the Chinese language. So instead I will turn to an area where I have no limitations. And that is my admiration for the superb way in which the Chinese New Year is celebrated. The concept of having a celebration for several days, even a couple of weeks, is a credit to your energy and endurance. You welcome Chinese New Year 4705 with food and fireworks, with gifts and greetings, with good will and good deeds. I also admire the emphasis on new beginnings, a cultural resolve to put behind you what has already been and to focus on shaping the future of what can be.
On behalf of Pennsylvania I congratulate the greater Philadelphia Asian Cultural Center for its emphasis on justice, tolerance, freedom, diversity, and its devotion to cultural issues important to all Americans. One of the unique treasures of the American experience is that people from many nations have learned to live in harmony in these United States. Over 300 million people, of whom I represent 12 million, live in Pennsylvania. They understand the value of belonging to an adventure that embraces many proud traditions. The preservation of those traditions, those cultures, is a precious pursuit. Behind all the pageantry is the promise of a new and prosperous time. And so I wish you the most joyous of celebrations. Happy New Year!
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