WHEREAS, on March 10, 2016, Tibetans throughout the world will gather to commemorate the 57th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against the occupation of their country and in honor of the more than one million Tibetans who have died in their struggle for the independence of Tibet; and
WHEREAS, the occupation and ongoing suppression of human rights and freedom in Tibet and the degradation of Tibetan culture and identity should continue to be a concern for all freedom-loving people everywhere; and
WHEREAS, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is a global icon of compassion and peace and the heart and soul for Tibetans world-wide; and,
WHEREAS, members of the local Tibetan community will gather in Northampton to commemorate this day with a daylong solidarity fast to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and democracy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby resolved that we, the Select Board of the Town of Amherst in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, recognize the local Tibetan community’s plea for justice on this 57th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day and continue to proclaim each March 10, as TIBET DAY, and further by hoisting the Tibetan National flag from March 10 to March 17, 2016, help cultivate awareness for all citizens of Amherst.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, WE the Amherst Select Board have hereunto voted and set our hands this 27th day of February, 2016.
The Amherst Regional Tibetan Community also asked to recognize that the UMass Students For a Free Tibet will hold a vigil outside the Student Union Building from 2pm to 3pm on March 10, 2016 to draw attention to the deteriorating situation in Tibet.