Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony at the Vien An Buddhist Temple
13915 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring
As prepared
Good morning Venerable Sangha, Honored Guests, and attendees!
I am pleased to be part of this Foundation Stone-Laying ceremony here at the Vien An Buddhist Temple.
I would like to thank you, Venerable Vien Hue for this special invitation to The Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony today.
As many people know, I like groundbreakings and foundation-laying; but what I REALLY love are ribbon-cuttings; and I cannot wait until we’re back here again for that great day.
The Vien An Buddhist Association stands as a monument to the noble vision of a true messenger of the Dharma by creating and expounding the message of the Buddha in the venerable effort to end suffering.
The Vien An would like to expand existing programs and establish a complete Buddhist temple and community center suitable for teaching languages, holding regular classes, meetings, ceremonies, and seminars with space for a book service.
This new temple will help them do just that. I cannot wait to see the new 13,000 square-foot building on its 1.3 acres that will allow many more people from community to come to this place of worshipwhere the Vien An Buddhist Association promotes Pure Land Buddhist teaching and provides spiritual guidance, practices, and educational opportunities for Buddhists and others interested in Buddhism.
The Vien An Buddhist Association has no outside organizational support. Its programs and activities are solely supported by voluntary offerings from community members.
With that in mind, I offer tremendous gratitude to all of you in the community and also those from other states for their support in funding to help build this new Vien An Temple here in Montgomery County. I look forward to the day when we can all walk its halls.
Thank you
Release ID: 17-077July 9; 9 a.m.