Town Council Phone: (413) 259-3002 [email protected]

2020 TIBET DAY and THANK YOU DALAI LAMA YEAR PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, Tibetans throughout the world will gather to commemorate the 61st Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against the brutal occupation of their country and pay tribute to the more than one million Tibetans who lost their life lives in their struggle for the freedom of Tibet; and

WHEREAS, the occupation and ongoing suppression of human rights and freedom in Tibet and the intentional marginalization of Tibetan language, culture, and identity should continue to be a concern for all freedom- loving people everywhere; and

WHEREAS, on January 11, 2020 China’s Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) passed the so calledso-called Ethnic Unity Law which further aims to curb the undiminishing defiance of the Tibetan people and their call for the protection of their identity, for freedom, human rights, and for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet; and

WHEREAS, in December, 2018, the United States House Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act (initiated by Representative Jim McGovern), that called for an end to China’s isolation of Tibet and providing American citizens, including Tibetan Americans in Amherst, with the same opportunity of access to Tibet as enjoyed by Chinese citizens visiting our country; and

WHEREAS, on January 28, 2020 the United States House of Representative with overwhelming bipartisan support passed the Tibet Policy and Support Act (H.R.4331) that dramatically upgrades United States political and humanitarian support for Tibetans, and the Senate version of the bill is currently before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for approval; and

WHEREAS, the principle commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are: promotion of warm-heartedness, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline; religious harmony and understanding among the world’s major religious traditions; preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Tibet; and the study of ancient Indian knowledge of understanding and training of mind; and

WHEREAS, in 1989 His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his long- standing commitment to nonviolence, peace, and willingness to compromise and seek reconciliation despite China’s brutal occupation of Tibet;. and

WHEREAS, His Holiness the Dalai Lama proposed the Middle-Way Approach to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet and to bring about stability and co-existence between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples based on equality and mutual co-operation; and

AMHERSTMA.GOV Town Hall | 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002-2351

Town Council Phone: (413) 259-3002 [email protected]

WHEREAS, in 2007, the United States conferred the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards, upon His Holiness the Dalai Lama in recognition of his contribution to Tibet and humanity; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s untiring efforts for the past 61 years that have come to fruition with the successful establishment of the Tibetan community in exile, introduction of a democratic system of administration, revival of Tibetan language, religion and culture, provision of modern education to Tibetan children, and advancement of the Tibet cause in the global arena, the year 2020 will be observed as the “Thank You, Dalai Lama” year; and

WHEREAS, the Ttown of Amherst is home to a small vibrant community of Tibetan Americans who have contributed to the diversity of our culture and tradition; and

WHEREAS, to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom in Tibet, members of the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts (based in Amherst) will hold a flag raising ceremony at 10am on March 10, 2020 in front of the Amherst Town Hall and a Walk for Tibet from Amherst to Northampton.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby resolved that we, the Town Council of the Town of Amherst in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, recognize the local Tibetan American community’s plea for justice for the people of Tibet on this 61st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day and, continue to proclaim each March 10, as TIBET DAY, and proclaim the year 2020 as the Thank You Dalai Lama Year, and further recognize this proclamation by hoisting the Tibetan National flag from March 10 to March 20, 2020, to help cultivate awareness for all residents of Amherst, beginning with a flag-raising ceremony to be held in front of Town Hall on March 10, 2020 at ____.

Voted this ___ day of March 2020. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, WE the Amherst Town Council have hereunto voted and set our hands this 4th day of March, 2020.

______J. Lynn Griesemer, President

AMHERSTMA.GOV Town Hall | 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002-2351