As Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it gives me great pleasure to honor the 2008 Chinese Lunar New Year. During this most important day may we join in celebration of our combined ancestral heritage and traditions, while letting go of the past and its unnecessary burden.

On this day, February 18, 2008, as the New Moon represents the first day of the New Year celebration, may your gatherings and visits with friends and relatives be bright and joyous. As you celebrate traditions highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household, and the family ancestors, may you and your families continue to prosper with good fortune and health in the coming year. As such, I share the words of Benjamin Franklin, who said,

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man."

On behalf of over twelve million Pennsylvanians, I take great pleasure in joining with you to celebrate the 2008 Chinese New Year.

Catherine Baker Knoll
Lieutenant Governor

View greeting letter