Raising their voices for those who cannot

The International Campaign for Tibet, represented by Tencho Gyatso and I, were privileged to stand for the Tibetan people at events hosted by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation on June 16.

The Foundation conducted its annual wreath laying ceremony at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, D.C., which features a replica of the Goddess of Democracy statue created by the students in Tiananmen Square 20 years ago. That statue was demolished in the PLA advance against the students on June 4, 1989. Tencho and I participated in the wreath laying ceremony paying tribute to Tibetans who have fallen victim to China’s repressive policies. It was a moving event and a poignant reminder of the cost in lives that Communism has extracted across the globe.

The Foundation also awarded the 10th annual Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom to the late Jack Kemp, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Bishop Laszlo Stokes. They join previous honorees, including Paula Dobriansky (the former Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues) and others who have “demonstrated a lifelong commitment to freedom and democracy.”

The Foundation has launched a virtual Global Museum on Communism in an effort to reach out across international boundaries and internet censors to those currently suffering under Communist regimes. Featured prominently on the main page is a Spotlight on Tibet. Have a look!

Much gratitude is in order to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation for its determination not to forget and to always raise their voices for those who cannot.

(Photo Credit: Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation)