Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable life and extraordinary legacy of Dr. Assad Meymandi, who sadly passed away last week. Born in Iran, Dr. Meymandi moved to the United States in 1955 and quickly fell in love with this country. He moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, after receiving his medical degree from George Washington University. He dedicated much of his career to improving mental health care in our State at a time when mental health was much less understood. His place in the community is also marked by his dedication to the arts. He believed in the power of the arts so much that we can thank him for the creation of the Meymandi Concert Hall, home to North Carolina's Symphony, where thousands of people go every year to hear the breathtaking music and to experience the concert hall's renowned acoustics. Dr. Meymandi always said that he was an American by choice, not by birth, and that he loved his country so much that he celebrated his naturalization date as his true birthday. His love for America and for our Raleigh community should serve as a guiding light to all of us. ____________________”