The Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal
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WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush presented the Congressional
Gold Medal to the Fourteenth Dalai Lama on October 17, in a ceremony in the
United States Capitol Rotunda.
Prepared and struck by the United States Mint, the Congressional Medal is in
recognition of the Dalai Lama's contributions to peace, non-violence, human
rights and religious understanding.
The obverse of the Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal, designed by
United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, features a smiling portrait of
the Dalai Lama. The Himalayan Mountains are in the background. The
inscriptions "14th Dalai Lama of Tibet," "Tenzin Gyatso," his birth name, "Act of
Congress" and "2006" are included on the obverse.
The reverse, designed by Joseph Menna, a United States Mint Medallic
Sculptor, depicts a stylized lotus flower, considered to be a symbol of purity. The
inscriptions include a quotation from the Dalai Lama, "World peace must
develop from inner peace. Peace is not the absence of violence. Peace is the
manifestation of human compassion."
On September 27, 2006, President Bush approved Public Law 109-287,
calling for the United States Mint to strike the Congressional Gold Medal for
presentation to the Dalai Lama. The law also authorizes the United States Mint
to produce and sell bronze duplicate medals to the public. The bronze
duplicates may be purchased at www.usmint.gov starting October 17, 2007, or
by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) -- From United
States Mint