Dear Tibet Freedom Supporters:
I am very proud to inform you that our Tibetan National Flag is on permanent
display with 133 other national flags representing countries of origin of the
faculty, staff and students of LaGuardia Community College in New York City.
On May 12, 1997 representatives of Secretary General Kofi Annan of the
United Nations, Governor George Pataki, Mayor Rudolf Giuliani, and
Queensborough President Claire Shulman participated in the Dedication
Ceremony by bringing greetings and reading proclamations. Singer and
Activist Richie Havens , donated his time, and gave a special musical
presentation and sang his world famous song "Motherless Child." (Thanks to
Larry Gerstein putting in a good word for us.) Among the guests in
attendances were diplomats from the foreign missions and consulates. The
program listed all the 133 countries, including Tibet.
Mayor Giuliani proclamation reads:
"Whereas: Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College of the City University
of New York is dedicating its International Hall of Flags exhibit, an event
in its year-long 25th Anniversary celebration, on the Twelfth of May; and
Whereas: The International Hall of Flags displays flags of 133 countries of
origin of the College's faculty, staff members and students. It is the
largest display of international flags in the nation, except for the display
at the United Nations, which the college faces across the east river from its
campus in Long Island City, and will be on permanent exhibit; and......"
Secretary General Kofi Annan's representative, Mr. Mian Quadrud-Din, Director
of Information and Public Services, on bringing greetings from the Secretary
General, noted the simlar missions of LaGuardia's International Hall of Flags
and the United Nations to that of promoting world peace and global harmony.
He told the audience that the United Nations flies the flags of 185 nations
and LaGuardia now flies the flags of 135 nations. Humorously, he added that
LaGuardia had 30 more flags to catch up to the United Nations!
As a Tibetan and member of the International Hall of Flags Committee, I am
extremely proud that I have had this opportunity to bring my beloved nation's
flag into this permanent exhibition. It is the first time that our Tibetan
flag is part of such an exhibition! Next project is to get our Tibetan flag
flown in the United Nations!! Boh Rangzen Thob!!
Chukie Shakabpa Wangdu
International Hall of Flags Committee
