Dear Friend,
As the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida, it is my honor to wish you and yours Nowruz Mobarak, or Happy New Year!
Today marks the start of Spring and a new year for millions of people across dozens of countries. Last Monday night, we partnered with the Iranian-American Community Center of Central Florida to host a virtual celebration of Nowruz! You can watch that celebration here, at this link.
This holiday holds a very special place in my heart. It represents the incredible diversity of our country and offers another opportunity to reflect on our collective past. It brings back many sweet memories of growing up in Orlando, celebrating American holidays while also sharing Persian traditions with all of my friends!
This has been an extraordinarily challenging year but I am thankful for all of the ways our community has demonstrated strength and resilience. I am especially humbled by your support of me, and of our vision for Florida.
I leave you with this commonly-recited Nowruz prayer:
O turner of heart and sight,
O master of day and night,
O changer of year and state,
change our state to the best state.
With gratitude,
Anna