Buddhist Temple Honors Slain Victims

August 15, 1999

Source: The Arizona Republic

On August 15, 1999, The Arizona Republic reported that Wat Promkunaram, a Vietnamese Buddhist temple west of Phoenix, Arizona, held two days of memorial ceremonies on the 8th anniversary of the murders of 9 Buddhists at the temple. Over 70 monks and dozens of Buddhist followers participated in the ceremonies to honor the slain victims, 6 monks, a nun, novice, and acolyte, who were murdered while praying. In the 8 years since the murders, the temple has changed a great deal, adding an 8-foot monument with a bust of one of the slain monks, a new building, a welcome sign, a garden, and a new wrought-iron gate. Prakong Garland, vice-president of the temple who prepares food for the monks on a weekly basis, stated: "We like to see the people come, to show us support...It's more peaceful here now."