1997 March Info | 1997 March Home

(<- Previous Report) April 7th (Next Report ->)

Yesterday the marchers enjoyed a beautiful spring day of 70 degrees and sunny skies, and found it hard to believe when the weatherman called for snow today. But snow it did.

Not only did it snow, but the wind gusted and was so strong that people carrying signs were pushed and pulled as if they were carrying sails.

But, regardless of the weather, everyone's spirits have been very high. The attention being given to the march in Rochester has been outstanding. Two articles and one editorial in The Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester's daily paper, twice on the evening television news, short mentions on morning radio news and one 50 minute interview to be aired on the local public radio station. Now, as the march heads out of Rochester, many cars honk and the passengers wave wildly, and people stop to wish the walkers well: everyone knows they are marching for Tibet's independence!

Taking a break from the weather outside the walkers spoke to elementary school children about Tibet and the Panchen Lama at Rochester Public School No. 1.

The kids at School No.1, also a specialty school for hearing impaired children, were fascinated with Tibetan culture and showed great concern for the welfare of the Tibetan people and for the young Panchen Lama -- a member of their peer group.

As part of a letter writing campaign being initiated by the marchers, all of the children were asked to write letters on behalf of Gendhun Choekyi Nyima to Secretary of State Albright. April 25th will be his 8th birthday and the marchers would like to have Albright's desk flooded with letters and birthday cards asking her to fulfill her promise to be tough on China about human rights and also asking her to find Gendhun Choekyi Nyima so that he may receive his birthday greetings.

(<- Previous Report) (Next Report ->)

1997 March Info | 1997 March Home

International Tibet Independence Movement
PO Box 592 Fishers, Indiana 46038-0592 United States
e-mail: rangzen@aol.com