Speaker Pelosi will award His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal today at 1 pm, in the Capitol Rotunda. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is recognized in the United States and throughout the world as a leading figure of moral and religious authority. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and non-violence throughout the globe, and also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems.
American presidents and the American people have been inspired by His Holiness, who describes himself as a “simple monk, no more, no less.” To Tibetan Buddhists, he is the earthly manifestation of the living Buddha. To the international community, he is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. To millions of believers and admirers, he is a source of wisdom and compassion. To young people, His Holiness is a positive example of how to make the world a better place. As Speaker Pelosi said commemorating Tibetan National Uprising Day, “we must heed the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as his transcendent message of peace is needed now more than ever.”
Prior to the Gold Medal Ceremony, festivities will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol that will feature traditional Tibetan folk dance and music. Following the ceremony, the Dalai Lama, the Speaker, and actor/activist Richard Gere will give remarks at the “America Celebrates the Dalai Lama” West Front ceremony.