Obama wishes New Year greetings to Asians. He recalls his childhood New Year experiences and wishes for peace and health.

Obama wishes New Year greetings to Asians. He recalls his childhood New Year experiences and wishes them peace and health. The 23rd of this month is the first day of the Lunar New Year in the Year of the Dragon. U.S. President Obama, his wife and the State Council...

Obama wishes Asians New Year's greetings. He recalls his childhood New Year experiences and wishes them peace and health. The 23rd of this month is the first day of the Lunar New Year in the Year of the Dragon. U.S. President Obama and his wife and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered speeches on the 19th to send New Year greetings to Asian and Pacific Islanders. On behalf of the American people, they congratulated Asian and Pacific Islanders across the United States on the Lunar New Year and hoped that everyone celebrating the Spring Festival would be safe, prosperous and healthy. In a New Year's message released by the White House, Obama said, "Michelle and I extend our best wishes to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year!" President Obama also personally sent New Year greetings to Asian and Pacific Islanders in a video posted on the White House's official website. Obama recalled the excitement of celebrating the Lunar New Year in Hawaii during his childhood: parades, fireworks, gatherings with family and friends. He said that the Lunar New Year is always a time full of celebration and hope. He said that this year, Americans at home and around the world welcome the Year of the Dragon. "Please do not forget the characteristics of our country. We are strong because of our diversity and richer because of different cultures." Obama wished everyone a safe, prosperous and healthy new year. Hillary Clinton said in a statement issued by the State Department: People around the world are welcoming the Year of the Dragon with rich and diverse traditions. Asian Americans in communities across the United States will celebrate with family and friends their strong traditions and the relationships that bind us all. ?BR> She said: "President Obama and I are committed to building 21st century partnerships with the people of the Asia-Pacific region, and we will continue to deepen relationships with our allies and partners while strengthening lasting friendships and cooperation." Hillary said: "In this new year and in the years to come, let us continue to work together to realize new opportunities and make progress on the common challenges we face."