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 34th anniversary of the protests and crackdown, VOC honored the memory and legacy of the brave individuals who lost their lives advocating for freedom as a result of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
On Friday, June 2nd, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation held a candlelight vigil and ceremony of remembrance commemorating the 34th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Speakers included witnesses of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, and representatives of the Uyghur, Tibetan, and Hong Kong communities who spoke about the ongoing brutal crimes of the Chinese Communist Party.
Participants gathered 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.
Event speakers included:
- Amb. Andrew Bremberg, VOC President
- Elfidar Eltibir, Uyghur American Association
- Joey Siu, NDI
- Bhuchung K. Tsering, International Campaign for Tibet
- The Hon. Frank Wolf
- Jianli Yang, Initiatives for China
