WHEREAS, July 6th is the birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, marking a day of celebration and memorialization of peace, compassion, and friendship—shared human values that His Holiness embodies and encourages; and
WHEREAS, through his leadership and commitment to fostering peace and happiness among all people, His Holiness is a symbol of hope and inspiration for Tibetans and other communities around the world; and
WHEREAS, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s contributions to global peace have positively impacted humanity by promoting non-violence, forgiveness, and gratitude; and
WHEREAS, the Tibetan community in Salt Lake City has exercised His Holiness’s messages and wisdom, promoting goodwill and positive connection throughout the City and across different generations, cultures, and lived experiences; and
WHEREAS, the Tibetan community has strengthened acceptance and belonging for thousands of Tibetan refugees and immigrants by establishing programs and opportunities for Tibetans to learn and share traditional music, dance, art, and other cultural practices; and
WHEREAS, the Utah Tibetan Association administers educational initiatives, donates scholarships, and operates the Tibetan Community Center in Salt Lake City, providing meaningful opportunities for families and individuals to connect, share experiences, and find support; and
WHEREAS, the preservation and celebration of Tibetan culture in Salt Lake City— including Tibetan history, language, cuisine, arts, and other traditions—has deepened the City’s cultural fabric; and
WHEREAS, the Tibetan community exemplifies peace and resilience through the preservation of their culture and autonomy in the face of struggle, including in the course of the ongoing China-Tibet conflict; and
WHEREAS, Salt Lake City recognizes the importance of peace and human rights; and
WHEREAS, the Tibetan community’s ongoing commitment to human rights, equality, and justice aligns with the values we hold dear in Salt Lake City; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, do hereby proclaim July 6, 2024, as:
Tibet Day in Salt Lake City
To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation click here.