America Celebrates the Dalai Lama

DALAI LAMA TO ADDRESS PUBLIC ON CAPITOL WEST LAWN

Simulcast of Oct. 17 Congressional Gold Medal to Precede Public Appearance

In recognition of his life’s work to promote peace, Congress will award His Holiness the Dalai Lama the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal in a rare Capitol Rotunda ceremony, Wednesday, October 17, at 1:00 p.m., with President Bush and Congressional leaders, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, in attendance. Following the ceremony, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Dalai Lama will deliver an address at a reception on the West Lawn of the Capitol hosted by the International Campaign for Tibet and the Tibetan community.

Preceding the address, there will be a Tibetan cultural program from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and a large screen simulcast of the Gold Medal ceremony, beginning at 1 p.m. All events on the West Lawn are free and open to the public.

WHAT: Dalai Lama Gold Medal Ceremony and related festivities

WHEN: October 17, 2007
Tibetan Cultural Program: 11:00 a.m.
Simulcast of Gold Medal Ceremony: 1:00 p.m.
Public Address by the Dalai Lama: approximately 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building

WHO: His Holiness the Dalai Lama