Unveiling of Monument at Utah State Capitol

On November 2023, the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendants Association (CRWDA) had the pleasure of hosting the groundbreaking ceremony of Utah’s first monument honoring Chinese railroad workers. Senator Kwan is now honored to invite the media and the public to attend the unveiling of the completed monument. 

This monument will acknowledge the contributions of over 11,000 Chinese railroad workers, whose strength, skills, and determination resulted in completing the westward portion of the first Transcontinental Railroad in the United States. The CRWDA firmly believes that this monument will be an essential reminder for all visitors to Utah’s Capitol grounds of the pivotal role Asian immigrants played in constructing our great nation. The monument’s design was generously done by architect Porheang Ear with MJSA Architects. Additionally, a plaque will pay tribute to Chinese workers, along with immigrants, Native Americans, former slaves, Civil War veterans, and LDS Church members who played a crucial role in this monumental effort.

WHEN: May 11, 2024, 3:00 PM 

WHERE: Utah State Capitol- Southeast Lawn

SPEAKERS: 

• Senator Karen Kwan, District 12, President and CEO of the CRWDA
• Margaret Yee, Chairwoman of the CRWDA
• Wilson Lee, CRWDA Board Member 
• Mike Mower; Senior Advisor of Community Outreach and Intergovernmental Relations- Governor’s Office 
• Thomas Ng; Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (“Chinese Six Companies”)
• Nathan Anderson; Union Pacific
• Doug Foxley; Golden Spike Foundation 
• Ralph Nagasawa; MJSA Architects 
• Amelia Kwan, Ellie and Katie Smith; Utah Mandarin Dual Immersion Students and descendants