Statement by CRPF President Theresa Pan Hosley, Fuzhou Ting Dedication, September 22, 2011

Good afternoon everyone!  And welcome!  I am so glad that you are able to join us! When I get the chance to see everyone come together, it reaffirms the faith that I have in this project.  So, thank you to all of you, our honorary guests from Fuzhou, Mayor Strickland, and our city council members for being here.

I hope this opening brings as much joy to you as it does to me. We have come a long way from the first drawings of the park and meetings around my dining room table.  It has taken a few years, but step by step the drawings are coming to life.  Of course, none of that would be possible without the dedication of the board of Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation, the staff of Department of Economic Development, Department of Public Works, Mayors, City Councils and the support of our community. This park has always been intended to tell a story and to bring the community together.  When I look out here today, I can’t help but think we are getting closer to fulfilling these goals.

We have completed 3 major phases of the park.  And with your help I look forward to bringing the final phases off the page as well.  With your support, over there we will have an international pavilion, a reflecting pond, and an educational center.  Our hope is to use the tools we have to learn from our history and embrace reconciliation and unity.  But like I said, we need your help in keeping the conversation going.  Your contributions, whether it be spreading the word of our project or financial, are vital to the progress of our park.

I can’t thank you enough for coming to be a part of such a monumental day for us.  This is your park, so please come enjoy the view, the Ting, and the NEW Tacoma method of INCLUSION as often as you can.

Vice-Mayor of Fuzhou, Chen Qi, shook hands with Mayor of Tacoma, Marilyn Strickland

Vice-Mayor of Fuzhou, Chen Qi, shook hands with Mayor of Tacoma, Marilyn Strickland

Lion Dance at the Ceremony (Mak Fai Washington Kung Fu Club of Seattle)

Lion Dance at the Ceremony (Mak Fai Washington Kung Fu Club of Seattle)

Blessing by Buddhist Master Xintian

Blessing by Buddhist Master Xintian

Master of Ceremony, Greg Youtz, and Guests

Master of Ceremony, Greg Youtz, and Guests

 

CRPF President Theresa Pan Hosley and 12 other Board Members (from left: George Lim, Bill Baarsama, Bill Evans, Theresa Pan Hosley, Frances Lorenz, Jim LaGro, Greg Youtz, Carrie Washburn, Lotus Perry, Myrna Loy-Zolyomi, Jill horsen, Larry Hosley, and Linda Lee)

CRPF President Theresa Pan Hosley and 12 other Board Members (from left: George Lim, Bill Baarsama, Bill Evans, Theresa Pan Hosley, Frances Lorenz, Jim LeGro, Greg Youtz, Carrie Washburn, Lotus Perry, Myrna Loy-Zolyomi, Jill Thorsen, Larry Hosley, and Linda Lee)