Yak & Yeti Hotel
Kathmandu, Nepal
May 28, 2012
Namaste Family & Friends:
Tomorrow, the Government of Nepal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Nepal Tourism Board are sponsoring the 5th Annual International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day celebration to (i) honor the mountain, (ii) celebrate the efforts of the local and international climbing community who come to the region every year to climb in the Himalayas, (iii) draw international attention to the adverse effects of climate change on the Himalayas as well as various aspects of human life living in the region and (iv) promote global cooperative efforts to foster sustainable economic, social and cultural development, promote tourism and protect Mt. Everest and the entire Himalayan mountain range. The celebration is a day-long event. Medals are handed out at the ceremony to those who have summitted Mt. Everest and awards are given to those who have made significant contributions to the above causes.
My good friend, Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking, will be giving a speech at the event on behalf of the local Nepalese climbing community. His father, Ang Tshering Sherpa, owner of Asian Trekking and a revered figure in the Nepalese/Tibetan mountaineering community, has asked me to give a speech on behalf of the international climbing community. Of course, I feel privileged, humbled and honored to be asked to give this talk, especially given the worthy goals of this celebratory event and the local and international fame of those who will be in attendance. I don’t feel particularly worthy of this honor, but I’ll do my best.
Tomorrow, my bags should arrive from the North side, so I hope to be flying home soon.
Bill
Wow! congratulations, Bill. Who better than you to speak at this celebration. You are an inspiration to everyone, even to those of us who will never see the top of any mountain. I wish I could be there to here it.
One more very informative, inspiring writing; THANK YOU, Bill! The 5th Annual International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day is clearly significant (beyond our understanding); the purposes are thoughtful and merited, and you are passionate, accomplished and dedicated to the goals of this unique international celebration. Congratulations on your selection to participate on the 29th! Our prayers and best wishes continue for you, Ollie, your family, and the many People involved in the adventures you continue to share thoughtfully herein,
Ron & Kay
So proud our local hero is being shared with the world — and that they see you as we do. Congratulations!
Dory
Bill
Good to hear from you.
Congratilations on your many accomplishments !
God”s speed and safe travel.
Our prayers are with you.
Wayne & Virginia
congratulations, Bill.
G
Bill, there is no one better prepared to speak and represent the international hiking community than you, and those in attendance with be blessed with your probative reasoning. You convey a strong spiritual base to your reflections on Everest which will be highly regarded given the tragedies on the mountain this year. Blessings,
Rockman
Quite the honor and I’m certain it is well deserved. Glad you’ll be coming home. Thanks for the memories!
You will be terrific in your speech. Your presenation to the Laguna Beach Business Club was outstanding and well received. Will you be going on a speaking tour again?
Sincerely, Gil Thibault
All the best and greetings, wish I was there to hear the speeches..
Regards!
Anwar Syed
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Lela Peak Expeditions Pakistan
Hi Bill. Hey I was there for the second celebration when they called your name for the summit. How cool that you are the guest speaker. You own the mountain! Enjoy. Ed
Congratulations! Wish I was there to hear it! If you see Dan Mazur, send him my best regards.
Congratulations Bill…well deserved!!!
You are definitely qualified & worthy! God Bless you, your family & the event. Love & Hugs, Betty