Senator Harry Ried addresses the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

Senator Harry Ried

In the history of Republic Congressional Gold Medal is just awarded 145 times, for less than one year. Each and every recipient, George Washington, Mother Teresa, Elie Wiesel -whom some called an author, but I call a poet. Each and every one has made staggering and indelible contri-butions to the cultural fabric of our country and the world.

Today we gather in this great chamber, Mr President, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, members of Congress and clergy to award the 146th gold medal. I can think of no one living on the earth today more deserving of this honor than His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

For the people of his nation, he is a spiritual leader, an emissary to the world, the voice of their suffering and steady hand that guide their path. For those who are oppressed throughout the world and beyond the borders of Tibet, he is a voice of reason of crisis and wisdom and care. For all of us you represent very best of humanity, a child of humble farmer from town of just few hundred, who rose to inspire million and move the world, culture and peace.

His Holiness has received countless honorary degrees, many many doctorates, virtually every humanitarian awards available including the Nobel Peace Prize. The Congressional gold medal is just a recognition of his life’s work but he would be the first to say that awards are not that really matters. Abraham Lincoln said, “Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.”

As we honor His Holiness,the seeds of peaceful resistance that he has planted are flowering throughout the world, especially in Burma, where citizens are working peacefully to reject oppression and embrace a bright new day of freedom. It is a rare privilege to share this stage with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is one man warrior of peace. He is one warrior of spirituality.

Email This Article| Printer version