Recently, FEZANA member associations, California Zoroastrian Center and Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC), ably led by Sam Billimoria, held a meeting with California Congressman – J. Luis Correa, to thank him for
introducing a legislation to designate a ‘National Zoroastrian Day’ every year, on the day of the Vernal Equinox or Jamshedi Navroz, as is celebrated by the Zoroastrian community worldwide. Other issues pertaining to USA’s
Zoroastrian community were also discussed. The following is the resolution:

RESOLUTION
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118TH CONGRESS – 2D SESSION
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Designating ‘‘National Zoroastrian Day’’ on the day of the vernal equinox of each year.
Whereas Zoroastrianism is regarded as one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, originating in ancient Persia;
Whereas the Zoroastrian legacy includes contributions to history, civilization, and influencing the development of world democracy by upholding universal human rights;
Whereas Zoroastrians developed a blueprint for governing a multicultural society focused on recognition of diversity;
Whereas Zoroastrians were among the first to exercise legal concepts with respect for the law, such as representation by an attorney, arbitration, and execution of wills;
Whereas Cyrus the Great, a follower of Zoroastrianism, recorded the first declaration of human rights on the Cyrus Cylinder in 539 B.C.E.;
Whereas the Zoroastrian declaration of human rights, focusing on freedom of religion, cultural and civil rights, and abolishment of slavery, influenced the American Founding Fathers and the United States Constitution;
Whereas Zoroastrianism has an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worshipers worldwide, with over 14,000 Zoroastrians residing in the United States of America;
Whereas the spring festival of Nowruz, also referred to as ‘‘Navrus’’ or ‘‘Novruz’’, which celebrates the new year, is held on the day of the vernal equinox, and is the most auspicious day in the Zoroastrian calendar; and
Whereas the festival is rooted in celebrating the triumph of light over darkness:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved:
That the House of Representatives supports the designation of ‘‘National Zoroastrian Day’’.

In a note addressed to Sam Billimoria, Congressman J. Luis Correa shared, “I thank you for working with my office to
honor National Zoroastrian Day. The work you and your colleagues do at the Zoroastrian Center in Orange is a
tremendous benefit to our Orange County residents, and my hope is that this resolution can bring recognition
to Zoroastrianism’s long and rich cultural history and religious contributions. My staff and I are happy to have
worked with you, and we are looking forward to continuing to recognize the contributions of Zoroastrianism to
our Orange County community and our country.”