On Friday, 9 June 2023, at the 16th annual Roll Call of Nations Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington DC, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation formally awarded the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom to Bhuchung K. Tsering from the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) for his lifelong dedication to promoting freedom and democracy in the face of communist tyranny in Tibet.
The Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to freedom and democracy and opposition to communism and all other forms of tyranny since 1999. Former honorees include H.E. Vaclav Havel (2003), H.E. Lech Walesa (2006), US Senators Tom Lantos (2008) and Jesse Helms (2001).
Bhuchung K. Tsering, who is currently leading the Research and Monitoring Unit for the International Campaign for Tibet, was introduced and presented this medal of honor by the Honorable Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, who was also the former Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues during President George W. Bush’s Administration.
Ambassadors and representatives from fourteen embassies, including the embassy of Ukraine, joined the event. The Delegation of the European Union to the United States, TECRO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States) and the Office of Tibet participated as diplomatic missions. Over 50 organizations representing various movements also joined in to pay their respects to the heroes and victims of communism in the wreath-laying ceremony.
Representative Namgyal Choedup and Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso from the Office of Tibet-Washington participated in the wreath-laying ceremony and congratulated Bhuchung K Tsering on receiving the award. President Tencho Gyatso, staffers from the International Campaign for Tibet and 2023 Tibetan Youth Leadership Program participants attended the award ceremony.
Bhuchung K. Tsering, International Campaign for Tibet, receiving Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom from Honorable Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, the former U.S Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
Honorable Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, the former U.S Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
(L-R) Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, ICT President Tencho Gyatso, Bhuchung K. Tsering (ICT), and Representative Namgyal Choedup, Office of Tibet-Washington.
Bhuchung K. Tsering addressing the gathering.
Representative Namgyal Choedup and Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso from the Office of Tibet during Nations Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington.
Group photo with Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky at the Nations Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington.
