On America’s Independence Day of Jul 4, five Tibetans and three Westerners took off from Independence Hall, Philadelphia, for a 150-mile “March for Tibet's Independence”.The marchers, who are aged 18 to 76, proceeded through Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, finally concluding in front of the Chinese Embassy, Washington, DC, on July 13 with a demonstration.Along the way, the marchers were joined by supporters from around the United States at various stages.

During the course of the march, the participants publicized the Tibet issue, including their demands, which include Tibet’s independence, release of the genuine Panchen Lama from Beijing’s captivity and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche from jail, for boycott of Chinese goods, and for democracy in China.

This was the 15th major 'March' or 'Bicycle Ride' for Tibet's independence organized by Indiana-based International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) since 1995.

The ITIM walks and bike rides had, before the latest march, clocked a total of more than 3,600 miles covered over a total of more than 350 days.

At the latest march’s conclusion before the Chinese embassy, ITIM President Larry Gerstein attempted to deliver a letter of demands to Ambassador Zhang Yesui of China through the US State Department Police who were present. The Officer inquired in the Embassy if this would be possible and was told no. The letter was therefore mailed to the Ambassador