Source: Pensacola News Journal

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051107/NEWS01/511070328/1006

On November 7, 2005 the Pensacola News Journal reported, "For some, [Sunday's] tradition-filled, ribbon-cutting ceremony [marking the opening of the new Dieu De Buddhist Temple in Pensacola] was an emotional one. It signaled the success of the quietly struggling Vietnamese community. 'We've been looking forward to this day for a long time,' said Justin Phan, the temple's vice president. 'We never thought this was possible.' With a number of worshipers existing on low incomes, raising money proved to be difficult, he said. The new brick, one-story temple was finished more than a year ago. But the 150-family congregation was waiting on this week's completion of the red gate and the pagoda before they could celebrate the temple's official opening. The new temple cost $350,000 to construct. 'It feels like we accomplished something big,' said member Hong Nguyen, who cried during the ceremony. 'It's good for the younger generation to maintain Buddhism and Vietnamese culture. Temple is where we let go of everyday worries. Here, we are all equal.'"