Utah Senate honors Lao American community, highlights Wat Lao Budaram temple in West Valley City
September 21, 2022 | 2022 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
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The Utah State Senate presented a formal citation honoring the Lao American community and the Wat Lao Budaram Buddhist temple being constructed in West Valley City during its September 2022 extraordinary session. Senator Louis Escamilla introduced visiting Buddhist monks and community members who had come to Salt Lake City for a national council meeting.
Madam Secretary read the citation, noting historical migration beginning in 1976 and the contributions Lao Americans have made in Utah. The citation states, in part, that "Lao Americans share numerous common values and practices with native Utahns ... and have contributed much to Utah's workforce and communities," and recognizes the Wat Lao Budaram temple as "the largest sacred space to gather for spiritual worship in the Buddhist tradition in Utah." The citation was presented and signed by Senator Louis Escamilla and President Jay Stewart Adams.
Senator Andrick, reflecting on personal experience, said he served as a missionary among Lao people and offered thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Senate, delivering a short greeting in Lao. Senator Escamilla emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and welcomed the delegation, saying the visit "means the world to them" and that Utah is committed to religious freedom and welcoming diverse faith communities.
The Senate asked the visitors to stand for recognition and provided the group an opportunity for photos in the chamber. Senators described the visit as a chance to showcase Utah's commitment to religious freedom and community engagement.
The Senate recessed briefly to allow photos and to acknowledge the visiting delegation before returning to the formal agenda and concluding the extraordinary session.
Madam Secretary read the citation, noting historical migration beginning in 1976 and the contributions Lao Americans have made in Utah. The citation states, in part, that "Lao Americans share numerous common values and practices with native Utahns ... and have contributed much to Utah's workforce and communities," and recognizes the Wat Lao Budaram temple as "the largest sacred space to gather for spiritual worship in the Buddhist tradition in Utah." The citation was presented and signed by Senator Louis Escamilla and President Jay Stewart Adams.
Senator Andrick, reflecting on personal experience, said he served as a missionary among Lao people and offered thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Senate, delivering a short greeting in Lao. Senator Escamilla emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and welcomed the delegation, saying the visit "means the world to them" and that Utah is committed to religious freedom and welcoming diverse faith communities.
The Senate asked the visitors to stand for recognition and provided the group an opportunity for photos in the chamber. Senators described the visit as a chance to showcase Utah's commitment to religious freedom and community engagement.
The Senate recessed briefly to allow photos and to acknowledge the visiting delegation before returning to the formal agenda and concluding the extraordinary session.
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