The Tiananmen Square peaceful pro-democracy protests in 1989, and the subsequent brutal crushing of the movement by the Chinese government on June 4, remain one of the key moments in China’s modern history. On the 35th anniversary of the protests and crackdown, VOC will honor the memory and legacy of the brave individuals who lost their lives advocating for freedom as a result of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
On Monday, June 3rd, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation will hold a candlelight vigil and ceremony of remembrance commemorating the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Participants with gather with special guest speakers at the site of the Victims of Communism Memorial with its recreated “Goddess of Democracy” statue dedicated to the millions of men, women, and children who died under communist regimes. Chinese students erected the original statue in Tiananmen Square in 1989 during protests against the communist regime in Beijing. Reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty, the Victims of Communism Memorial is a symbol of freedom and individual rights.
Speakers include:
Chen Guangcheng, Distinguished Fellow, Center for Human Rights at Catholic University
Tsultrim Gyatso, Chinese Liaison Officer, Office of Tibet
Frances Hui, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation
Elfidar Iltebir, President, Uyghur American Association
Anna Kwok, Executive Director, Hong Kong Democracy Council
Eric Patterson, Ph.D., President and CEO, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
Piero Tozzi, Staff Director, Congressional Executive Committee on China
Spencer Wolf, Stand with Hong Kong
David Yu, Executive Director, June 4th Massacre Memorial Association