Day 1 - June 27 - Wednesday
Taktser Rinpoche launched the 2007 “March for Tibet's Independence” from China's Consulate in New York. Interestingly, instead of getting out of the vehicle on the same side as the demonstrators, Rinpoche exited right in front of China’s Consulate. As He made His way over to the side of the street where the demonstrators were gathered, the over 100 Tibetans and westerners with khatas greeted Rinpoche.

Following this, the President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC)-New York and New Jersey, Tsering Palden, began the program by welcoming Rinpoche and everyone in attendance and by sharing his views about working for Rangzen.

Some prayers and a riveting speech by Jigme Norbu followed this. Jigme stressed the growing strength of the Rangzen movement and the importance of Tibetans in exile becoming even more active in the movement. He also focused on the role of his father, Taktser Rinpoche, in mobilizing and inspiring Tibetans and supporters committed to the Rangzen movement.

Kunyang Norbu, Jigme’s mother and the wife of Taktser Rinpoche then expressed her appreciation to those in attendance and her well wishes to the core walkers for a successful and effective journey.

Following this, Taktser Rinpoche greeted the crowd and chanted, “Bhod Rangzen!” The crowd was quite emotional upon hearing Rinpoche express His desire for Tibet’s independence.

Larry Gerstein then gave a speech explaining Rinpoche’s long standing leadership in the Rangzen movement and His history of not only contending with China’s occupation, but His devotion to securing worldwide support for Tibet’s independence. Larry also explained Rinpoche’s journey from Kumbum Monastery to Lhasa in 1949, and His later involvement in co-founding ITIM and leading various ITIM walks. Larry then assured Rinpoche that everyone at the demonstration and ITIM would work toward achieving Rangzen and that they would accompany Him to Kumbum Monastery and Lhasa so that He could offer a khata to His Holiness in the Potala Palace.

Professor Narkyid Ngawang Thondup then spoke about the critical importance of Tibet reclaiming its independence. Professor Thondup first spoke in Tibetan and then in Chinese.

Dr. Michael Yeun who is a leader of the World United Formosans for Independence-New York Chapter spoke next. He indicated his organization would continue to do whatever was necessary to help secure Tibet's independence.

During the course of the demonstration in front of the Consulate, Larry Gerstein, on behalf of the walkers and ITIM, was able to deliver a letter of demands to the Consulate. The letter demanded that China:

1. End its' illegal occupation of Tibet.
2. During the transition period of returning Tibet to the Tibetans, ensure that all Tibetans in U-Tsang, Amdo, and Kham are guaranteed every right and privilege outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
3. Free The Panchen Lama, Gendhun Choeyki Nyima, and all other persons connected with His disappearance.
4. Free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
5. Remove all military personnel and weapons from Tibet thereby establishing Tibet as a zone of peace.
6. Stop the transfer of Chinese citizens to Tibet.
7. Respect and protect the environment of the entire Tibetan plateau.
8. Permit a Tibetan Team to freely participate in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
9. End its illegal occupation of Eastern Turkistan and Southern Mongolia.
10. Recognize Taiwan as an independent Nation.

Throughout the demonstration, those in attendance chanted slogans. At one point, one of the New York City Police Sergeants in charge of the police team on site for the demonstration asked Larry if the volume of the sound system broadcasting the slogans could be turned down. He reported that PRC officials inside the Consulate complained the volume was too high and that it was making it difficult for the Consulate staff to do their work. Larry responded stating. “Please ask them to turn up their A/C if they want to drown out our slogans!” This Sergeant laughed and followed this conversation asking about the current status of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. The Sergeant was well aware of Tenzin Delek’s situation.

To conclude the demonstration, the walkers recited a Long Life Prayer for His Holiness The Dalai Lama, and sang the Tibetan National Anthem and Long-sho.

Once the demonstration was completed the 26 core walkers along with about 25 other Tibetans including Lhadon Tethong and Tendor (Tenzin Dorjee) of Students for a Free Tibet began their “March” to Battery Park in downtown Manhattan. Twelve police vehicles including squad cars, motorcycles, vans, and SUVs accompanied them. The RTYC-New York and New Jersey, Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey, and the Tibetan Women’s Association of New York and New Jersey brought a fantastic Indian lunch to the walkers while they relaxed in Battery Park. These same Tibetan organizations also sponsored our dinner.

After lunch, the walkers boarded a ferry and made their way to Staten Island. Once landing, the walkers resumed marching. In total, the walkers covered 7 miles in blistering, humid heat.

In the evening, the walkers presented a program to members of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island.

All in all the first day went off very smoothly, especially when considering the typical chaos of a first walk day compounded by the inherent challenges of navigating the heavy traffic of New York City!