compiled by Robert Dhondrup, Boardmember Tibetan Cultural and Community Service Center of Southern California

Los Angeles, December 11, 1995 -- On Sunday, December 10, 1995, approximately 75 members of the Tibetan Association of Southern California and the Tibetan Cultural and Community Service Center of Southern California assembled at the Westwood Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, to hold vigil for Tibet and the release of the Panchen Lama. In very brisk weather Tibetans and Tibet supporters energetically and enthusiatically held signs saying "Human Rights for Tibet," and "Free Tibet," and photo's of the Panchen Lama, chanting "Tibet for Tibetans," and other chants next to the world's busiest intersection on Wilshire Boulevard.

Candles were lit and in the growing evening shined like butterlamps on the sidewalk adding to the spirit of the vigil amid waving Tibetan flags waving in the brisk weather. People driving by during the night, once they saw what the signs and flags had to say, waved and honked their cars all through the vigil. Some drivers even pulled over, parked their cars, and joined the vigil; including a pair of Tibetan and Cultural Service Center members who only learned of the vigil while passing by. And many also pulled over to stop and pick up information and flyers about the vigil.

Los Angeles hopes that other Tibetans in US cities hosted successful International Human Rights Day events.

Tibetan Cultural and Community Service Center can be contacted at (310) 289-4302 or faxed at (310) 516-7187.