The resolution commemorates Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai Lao or Songkran, which is celebrated annually in April or May to mark the beginning of the Lao solar new year. This significant holiday symbolizes renewal, purification, and hope for prosperity, featuring traditional customs such as ceremonial water pouring, Baci ceremonies, almsgiving, home and temple cleaning, and festive water splashing. For Laotian people worldwide, Pi Mai serves as a time to honor their cultural identity and history, particularly in light of the challenges faced after the Laotian Civil War and the subsequent resettlement of many families as refugees in various countries, including the United States.

The resolution highlights the resilience of the Laotian community, which has preserved its language, customs, and faith despite the trauma of displacement. It acknowledges the two Lao flags representing the past and present, and notes that approximately 245,045 individuals in the U.S. identify as Laotian, many of whom are descendants of refugees. The resolution recognizes the contributions of the Laotian American community in Rhode Island to the state's cultural landscape and calls for the celebration of Pi Mai as a moment to reflect on their struggles, honor their ancestors, and celebrate their enduring heritage. The Senate extends best wishes for a healthy and joyful Pi Mai Lao and directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to a local temple leader.