Dalai Lama Set To Receive NCC's Liberty Medal, Although Not In Person

By Molly Daly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - National Constitution Center staffers are getting ready for Monday night's Liberty Medal Ceremony, although this year's recipient, the Dalai Lama, won't be able to accept the honor in person because of health concerns.

After a performance by the all-boy Tibetan Children's Choir, there'll be remarks from National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen, Mayor Nutter, and Richard Gere -- a longtime friend of the Dalai Lama and Delaware Valley native.

"He's always glad to come back to Philadelphia for a reason, and I think this is a reason that's deeply personal to Richard Gere as a person, and I think it's something that he's going to feel very honored to be participating in," says the National Constitution Center's Jenny Parker.

There'll also be a moving video tribute to His Holiness. Parker says the man of the hour is sending a video of his own:

"One of the things that you might hear in the Dalai Lama's remarks is the idea that human beings are naturally inclined towards compassion and kindness, but the necessity of liberty and freedom in realizing that full potential is essential."

Parker says that although His Holiness won't be there physically, "I think the spirit will be very evident, and will be felt by all the attendees."

The Dalai Lama is sending two representatives to accept the Liberty Medal on his behalf.

For more information, visit constitutioncenter.org.