US President Barack Obama on Thursday offered his best wishes to all those celebrating the Lunar New Year, calling it "a time for celebration and hope."
"Michelle and I want to send our best wishes to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders," the president said in a prerecorded message.
"Growing up in Hawaii, I remember all the excitement surrounding the Lunar New Year -- from the parades and the fireworks to the smaller gatherings with family and friends," he said. "It has always been a time for celebration and hope."
"This year, as Americans here at home and around the world welcome the Year of the Dragon, it's important to remember that our country is stronger because of our diversity. We are richer because of the different cultures that make up this country," the president said.
He wished all who celebrate the new year peace, prosperity, and good health.
美国总统贝拉克•奥巴马本周四发表声明，向世界各地欢度农历龙年新年的人们表达新年祝福，并称这是“欢庆和希望的时刻”。
奥巴马在提前录制的新年贺词中说：“米歇尔和我谨向所有亚裔美国人、太平洋岛国的人民以及全美欢度农历新年的人们送上最诚挚的祝愿。”
他说：“我在夏威夷长大，至今仍记得每逢农历新年的兴奋之情，从节日游行、烟花爆竹到亲朋好友的聚会，农历新年一直是庆祝和希望的时刻。”
“在今年全美民众迎来龙年之际，我们应该记住，多元性让美国更强大，不同的文化让我们更富有。”
他祝愿所有欢庆农历新年的人平安幸福，事业兴旺，身体健康。