IV 
113TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 130 
Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz and acknowl-
edging the Cyrus Cylinder as a symbol of respect for human rights 
and religious tolerance. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MARCH 20, 2013 
Mr. WAXMAN (for himself, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. CA´RDENAS, Mr. HONDA, Mr. 
MICA, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. BENTIVOLIO, Mr. CON-
NOLLY, Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York, Mr. SHERMAN, Ms. 
CLARKE, and Ms. EDWARDS) submitted the following resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of 
Nowruz and acknowledging the Cyrus Cylinder as a sym-
bol of respect for human rights and religious tolerance. 
Whereas Nowruz marks the traditional Iranian New Year, 
which originated in ancient Persia, and dates back more 
than 3,000 years; 
Whereas Nowruz occurs on the vernal equinox and celebrates 
the arrival of spring; 
Whereas Nowruz serves to remind the United States of the 
many lasting contributions of the Persian civilization to 
the world and the noteworthy impact of Iranian-Ameri-
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•HRES 130 IH 
cans to the social and economic fabric of society in the 
United States; 
Whereas in 539 B.C.E., the Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay 
cylinder inscribed with a declaration in Babylonian cune-
iform in the name of Cyrus, which was created following 
the Persian conquest of Babylon has, over the centuries, 
come to symbolize mankind’s first document on human 
rights; 
Whereas Cyrus II (also known as Cyrus the Great) of Persia 
is recognized for his achievements in human rights, poli-
tics, and religious tolerance, as well as his influence on 
future Eastern and Western civilizations; 
Whereas the policies of Cyrus toward minority religions are 
further documented in Babylonian texts and Jewish 
sources, and historical accounts; 
Whereas the Cyrus Cylinder has had significant impact on 
the respect for human rights that Iranian Americans be-
lieve in today; 
Whereas an exhibition will tour in the United States to cele-
brate the Cyrus Cylinder as a symbol of tolerance and re-
spect for different peoples and different faiths; 
Whereas the Cyrus Cylinder exhibition will take place in 
Washington, DC, Houston, Texas, New York, New York, 
San Francisco, California, and Los Angeles, California; 
Whereas the launch of the Cyrus Cylinder exhibition coincides 
with the Nowruz holiday and connects the Persian New 
Year to the values of human rights; and 
Whereas the Cyrus Cylinder symbolizes the universal hopes 
and aspirations of all people for human rights and reli-
gious tolerance: Now, therefore, be it 
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•HRES 130 IH 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes the cultural and historical signifi-
cance of Nowruz; 
(2) recognizes the hopes and aspirations of all 
people, including the people of Iran for human 
rights and religious tolerance as embodied by the 
Cyrus Cylinder; and 
(3) recognizes the tour of the Cyrus Cylinder 
throughout the United States. 
Æ 
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