Hong Kong Remembers the Tiananmen Square Massacre

June 4th, 1989 - the government of the People's Republic of China begins a crackdown on protestors (mostly students) in Tiananmen Square. The protestors, who had lived through a decade of economic reform was demanding political reform and democracy. Instead of change, the PRC set the army to attack their own people. The death toll is still unknown and there are still families out there wondering what happened to their relatives who participated in the protest.

In the PRC, the government takes great lengths to wipe the event from the collective memory of the people. The June 4th massacre is also officially described as a "counter-revolutionary revolt." Nonetheless, there are many who still remember the horrors of June 4th and although public remembrances are not tolerated on the mainland, the biggest candlelight vigil for the June 4th Tiananmen Square Massacre is held every year at Victoria Park in Hong Kong. According to the organizers on the stage, there was a record-breaking number of people who came to the candlelight vigil this year and I was proud to be among the crowd.

I'd like to take up some space and a moment on this blog to remember those who decided to voice their opinions and stand up to authority in an attempt to make life better for themselves and their fellow citizens. The widespread support in your cause proved that you dared to voice the hopes and dreams of others. May your courage and spirit never be forgotten.

Here are pictures of the candlelight vigil. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture shots that would really represent the sea of candles you see in the news reports.

When you walked out of the MTR, there were tons of political parties doing fundraisers and advertising.

The sign reads: "The people will not forget."

My camera would not give me a decent shot of people with their candles. This blurry picture was the best I could get.

I won't forget.