WHAT: First Senior Center of Georgia (FSCofGA) will hold a special ceremony in
celebration of the Vu Lan Festival, a deeply meaningful event rooted in Vietnamese tradition.
The ceremony will emphasize the importance of Hiếu (filial piety) and intergenerational
connections. FSCofGA’s 26,000 square-foot facility will be decorated to reflect Vietnamese
culture and the spirit behind the Vu Lan Festival.
WHEN:
Thursday, September 4, 2025, 11 A.M.
WHERE:
First Senior Center of Georgia
5555 Oakbrook Pkwy, Building 500, Suite 500-B
Norcross, GA 30093
WHO:
- Von Tran, CEO of First Senior Center of Georgia
- Interviews available
Event Highlights
- Rose Ceremony: Upon arrival, all attendees will receive a rose. Those with living
parents will receive a red rose, symbolizing gratitude and respect. Those who have lost
their mother will receive a white rose, signifying remembrance and love.
- Remarks by Von Tran: Von Tran, founder and CEO of FSCofGA, will give a series of
remarks emphasizing the importance of “Hiếu” (filial piety) in Vietnamese culture and
how FSCofGA maintains this vital tradition in the United States.
- Cultural Performance: Following Ms. Tran’s remarks, the event will have a special
musical performance – a heartfelt song dedicated to esteemed elders.
- Regular Activities: The event will continue with the center’s regular activities, providing
a familiar and comforting atmosphere for all seniors.
About the Vu Lan Festival: Vu Lan, a Buddhist festival celebrated throughout Vietnam (and in
Vietnamese communities worldwide), honors ancestors and emphasizes the importance of Hiếu
(filial piety). In Vietnamese culture, “Hiếu” is more than just respect for parents; it’s a
cornerstone of society. It encompasses love, gratitude, obedience, and the responsibility to care
for one’s parents in their old age. It is deeply rooted in Confucianism and Buddhism, which have
significantly shaped Vietnamese values. It’s a time for expressing gratitude to parents (both
living and deceased) and performing acts of service to help departed souls find peace. The rose
ceremony is a central part of Vu Lan, with the color of the rose representing one’s relationship
with their parents.
