Faithful thrilled by unveiling of Jade Buddha

TAMPA - As the firecrackers exploded and the green curtain drew back, Christy Phan put her right hand over her heart.
"This gives me chills," she said, admiring the world's largest jade Buddha, a 10-foot-tall, 4-ton statue unveiled this morning at the Minh Dang Quang Monastery, 5607 Town 'N Country Blvd.
Pushing back the sleeve of her purple dress, she displayed the goose bumps on her arm.
"This is such an honor to have this here," she said, gazing at the Buddha she helped bring to Tampa.

County of San Diego (California) announces Jade Buddha Day on Feb 7 2010

The County of San Diego (California) has announced its Proclamation that February 7 2010 is declared JADE BUDDHA FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE DAY throughout San Diego County. The wording of the proclamation is as follows:

Proclamation Honoring the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace
Whereas, the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world, Its religious and cultural value along with its size and beauty make this precious symbol a wonder of the world.

ESCONDIDO: Thousands visit Jade Buddha at monastery

Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike descended upon the Phap Vuong Monastery in Escondido on Sunday to witness the unveiling of the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, the largest Buddha ever carved from gem-quality jade in the world.