“I am deeply honored and moved to take part in this assembly. It is always inspiring to be in the presence of a luminary who personifies the destiny of the Tibetan people and the design for a more humane world – His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

“To join in the tribute to Julia Taft who championed similar causes is both melancholy and uplifting. As a colleague on the issues of Tibet and refugees, I witnessed firsthand her gusto and grit, sense of justice and sense of humor.

“Introducing Wang Lixiong ignites passion and compassion. He will accept the Light of Truth Award on behalf of 330 brave, mostly Han, Chinese citizens. For decades the Chinese government has sought to keep the world and its own people in the dark about Tibet. The more the Dalai Lama offers a middle way of peace and reconciliation, the more Beijing has vilified him and successfully bullied other governments. Especially pernicious is its campaign to incite Chinese youth and breed nationalistic hostility toward Tibetans.

“Thus what crowning valor and significance it is for Wang Lixiong and these eminent writers, scholars and artists to shed the light of truth on Tibet, as they did in their March 2008 petition.  In this remarkable document they advocate non-violence and peaceful concord in Tibet. They attack official censorship and propaganda. They unmask those who hide behind “national unity.” They urge dialogue between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama. They call on Beijing to make fundamental changes in nationality policies and to “display a style of government that conforms to the standards of modern civilization.”

“Ever since last March these intrepid individuals continue to seek to bridge the divide between Han and Tibetans with words and deeds. In so doing they risk their careers, their very freedom.

“Wang Lixiong, a distinguished author and scholar, symbolizes the quest for inter-ethnic harmony through his marriage to Woeser, the world’s best known contemporary Tibetan writer. Like so many who question authority, she cannot travel to join us today. This daunting couple has been indefatigable in highlighting the plight of Tibetans and revealing the way to a brighter future. Even more impressive than the breadth of their writings is the depth of their courage.

“This award is presented in a year replete with resonating anniversaries in China: Sixty years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, fifty years since the Dalai Lama was forced to flee his land, thirty years since the establishment of Sino-American diplomatic relations and twenty years since the Tiananmen Square massacre.

“Those whom we honor today, and countless others, are striving to fashion happier anniversaries in the future.

“Let us hope that:

“The Chinese government, which has done so much to lift the prosperity of its people, will one day also lift the horizons of freedom.

• The Dalai Lama may return to his home and Tibetans and all Chinese live in harmony.

• The Sino-American relationship, which I continue to promote, will be anchored not only on shared interests but shared values.

• And the official verdict concerning June 4, 1989 will be overturned so that “hooligans” will become heroes and “black hands” will become harbingers of history.

“It is my distinct privilege to introduce true heroes and harbingers of history, Wang Lixiong and his fellow recipients of the Light of Truth Award."