The Ambassador and his family arrive at the Kim Lien Pagoda amidst incessant rain. |
Ambassador Osius holding his young son walking through the gate at Kim Lien Pagoda, shortly after arriving. |
Thich Duc Thien, secretary general of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, welcomes the Ambassador, his partner and two children in the courtyard after the rain breaks. |
Before the ceremony, the most Venerable Thich Duc Thien explains the meaning of the proceedings to the Ambassador and family. |
The US Embassy offers flowers, fruit cake to Buddha at the ceremony. |
At the start of the ceremony, worshippers pray for the US Ambassador and family, wishing peace for all Americans and the best for future Vietnam-US relations. |
Ambassador Osius kneeling as the ceremony opens. |
During the ceremony, Ambassador Osius holds his young son. The Ambassador says: "Helping children understand Vietnamese traditional culture is extremely important." |
At the end of the ceremony following traditional practice, they attach red roses to their shirts if their mother is still living or white, if deceased. |
The temple presents a souvenir to Ambassador Osius and family. |
The Venerable Thich Dam Thanh gives Ambassador Osius and family a special gift of traditional moon cakes. |
Ambassador Osius says the day is special and very similar to ‘Mother’s Day,’ which is observed in the US. |
Ambassador Osius and family take a souvenir parting photograph at the Kim Lien Pagoda. |
