On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, also known as the June 4th Incident, the “Tiananmen Mothers” visited the Wan’an Cemetery in Beijing to pay tribute, as is customary, and delivered a memorial speech. This year’s memorial message emphasized the need to do something for the lost relatives, to ensure that their lives were not lost in vain, and to prevent the tragic events of history from recurring.
According to a report from the Central News Agency on June 4th, Zhang Xianling, the founder of the “Tiananmen Mothers” group, along with spokesperson You Weijie and family members of six of the June 4th victims, released the aforementioned memorial speech. The remains of 8 victims, including Yang Minghu, Yang Yansheng, Hao Zhijing, Yuan Li, Wang Weiping, Duan Changlong, Guo Chunmin, and Wang Nan, are buried in the Wan’an Cemetery.
The family members of the June 4th victims expressed that this year marks the 35th anniversary of the tragic event. Back then, their loved ones carried patriotism and aspirations for a better future for the country and the people. They hoped for a government that upheld integrity, opposed bureaucracy, and fought against corruption. However, those in power resorted to extreme and ruthless measures, blatantly violating the constitution and crushing students and civilians with the national machinery.
They spoke of how each year on this day, the family members gather at the Wan’an Cemetery with heavy hearts, mourning and commemorating their loved ones. Eight victims rest in eternal peace here. 35 years ago, they were ruthlessly gunned down by the government’s military, with bullets stripping away their precious lives. They emphasized that history must not be forgotten, must not be overlooked, and must always remember those who suffered.
Standing before the victims’ graves, they felt as if they were transported back to the blood-stained night 35 years ago. The authorities deployed the army and used machine guns and tanks to brutally massacre unarmed students and peaceful petitioners. Subsequently, corruption ran rampant among Chinese officials, with countless cases of “tiger hunting” and “fly catching”, and corrupt officials passing on their ill-gotten gains.
The family members emphasized the importance of taking action for their lost loved ones, ensuring their lives were not lost in vain, and preventing the repetition of historical tragedies. Seeking justice for them has been a continuous and arduous journey, as they have faced surveillance, warnings, threats, and harassment from the authorities, especially during Qingming Festival, June 4th, and other sensitive periods.
They reflected on the long and difficult 35 years, during which justice has yet to prevail for the 8 victims buried in Wan’an Cemetery. Seven parents have passed away with regret due to age and illness. However, they urged their lost loved ones to believe that they will persist unyieldingly and never give up.