Reflections on the Second Anniversary of the Cary Symphony Lake Legacy Bench Donation

Author: John Wei (Founding Chairman, CAECA)
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518
April 10, 2025

Today marks exactly two years since the Chinese-American Economic and Cultural Association (CAECA) donated the Legacy Bench to the Town of Cary, North Carolina. Standing beside Symphony Lake at Koka Booth Amphitheater, gazing at that bench nestled along the greenway, I am filled with deep emotions.

This bench is more than just a gift—it is a symbol of gratitude from our Chinese-American community to our new homeland. It represents our journey of integration and our commitment to give back to the society that has embraced us.

On June 7, 2023, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the lake to unveil the Legacy Bench. The location is beautiful—right next to the Koka Booth Amphitheater parking lot, facing the serene lake, with a lush forest behind it. A plaque on the bench bears our heartfelt message: "With gratitude to this new country — Donated by the Chinese-American Economic and Cultural Association (CAECA)." Below are the names of our board members at the time: John  Wei, Steve Niu, Xinli Xin, Sundong Jiang, Xiuting Ke, Tina Liu, Meng Li, Lisa Huang, Billy Xiao, Tianmin Zhou, Shihui Guan, Yang Liu, Adam Zhang, and Kevin Lee, Yan Chen, Roger Yiu, Zengxiang li。

Although it rained that day, the enthusiasm of our community never wavered. Many friends from the local Chinese community came despite the weather. We were honored to have Cary Town Council Member Lori Bush, North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania, Cary Town Council President Carissa Johnson, and CAECA board members including Zhiwen Niu, Xiuting Ke, Liqing Huang, Mingguang Zhu, Yang Liu, and Hong Ou join us. Other distinguished members of the community also attended, such as former U.S. Treasury CTO Wu Xiu Zhou and his wife, NCSU Design School Director Cailu Liu, along with Daling Wen, Yang Chen, Qiguo Liu, Qianzi Song, Daoyang Chen, Xiaohang Zhu, Qingjun Meng, Zhen Li, Fen Lin, and many more. Together, we witnessed a meaningful moment in our community's history.

That evening, we held a celebratory banquet at the Old Shanghai Restaurant. NC State Representative Guangya Liu joined us and remarked, “Today is a day of joy! This small Legacy Bench stands as a lasting testimony to the contributions of the Chinese-American community.” Her words deeply moved me. All the hard work was truly worth it.

During the ribbon-cutting, Council Member Lori Bush noted, “Cary has 83 miles of greenway, and 1.5 miles surround this lake. I hope people who are tired from walking can sit down on this beautiful bench donated by CAECA, rest for a while, and enjoy the view.” Though modest, this bench carries our love and gratitude for the community, offering passersby a peaceful place to pause.

Filipino-American Representative Maria Cervania also shared her thoughts: “This is something very special. You've made such a big difference to Cary, to Wake County, and to North Carolina.” She encouraged us warmly: “If there's ever anything you need, please let me know.” Her words reminded me that the efforts and goodwill of the Chinese community are truly recognized and appreciated.

Looking back, I came to the U.S. in 1978 to study at Penn State University and settled in Cary in 1982. It's been 43 years now. This land has given me countless opportunities, and I've witnessed the steady growth of our Chinese-American community. From organizing early Chinese events in North Carolina to establishing the Chinese Center and founding CAECA, I've always strived to promote U.S.-China cultural and economic exchanges and to advocate for our community’s well-being.

Over the decades, I've built friendships across party lines—with governors, mayors, legislators, and everyday citizens—always treating others with sincerity and mutual respect. As I often say, "I cherish every person I meet in this life, no matter their position." I have even kept every photo and video taken over my 79 years of life—each one a memory, a connection to the people and the land that has shaped my journey.

This Legacy Bench is not only a token of our gratitude to America, but a wish for the future. As I once said, “A hundred years from now, we may no longer be in this world, but the Legacy Bench will remain.” It is a symbol of the resilience, dedication, and contributions of our generation of Chinese immigrants, and it will continue to offer comfort and rest to those who come after us.

As someone with ancestral roots in Yanling, Hunan—the birthplace of the Flame Emperor, one of China's legendary ancestors—I was born and grew up in Taiwan, and then had been living in Cary for nearly half a century, I've always felt proud of my heritage. Our roots are in China, but our branches and leaves have flourished in this new homeland. Two years ago, we expressed our gratitude through this bench. Today, standing here once more, my heart is still filled with emotion. I hope that in the years to come, more people will sit on this bench and feel the warmth and strength of the Chinese-American community.

Finally, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in the donation and ceremony. Special thanks to Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Cultural Arts Manager Susan Bradley for granting us this exceptional location. May this Legacy Bench continue to witness the beauty of Cary, and may our Chinese-American community keep writing a brilliant chapter on this land we now call home.