In San Jose, the Chinese Cultural Garden hosted an International Democracy Day event on the afternoon of December 8th, attracting representatives and people from various ethnic groups, with nearly a hundred participants.
The International Democracy Day event was organized by Peter Ortiz, the Councilmember of the 5th District of San Jose, under the theme of “Celebrating the Democratic Spirit We Enjoy in America.” The event drew participation from several ethnic groups, including representatives from the Sino-American Heritage Foundation, the Vietnamese-American Community of Northern California, the Cambodian American Community, the Colombian Community, and more.
The event kicked off with a lively lion dance performance. During the activities, a Vietnamese singer performed the national anthems of the United States and South Vietnam, while the national anthems of the Republic of China and Cambodia were also played, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Councilmember Ortiz delivered the opening speech, thanking the representatives from various ethnic groups for their support in promoting democracy and human rights and standing against authoritarianism. He proudly shared how he successfully introduced November as the first International Democracy Month in San Jose, culminating in this International Democracy Day event. Ortiz pledged to continue working with the Democracy Alliance to promote democracy and human rights globally.
He also told the media that the purpose of the event was to ensure people could bravely speak out against power, rather than seeking consensus or interests. He emphasized the need to collectively resist fascism and communism in order to uphold democratic values at home and abroad.
President Lin Darue of the Sino-American Heritage Foundation expressed that the Chinese Cultural Garden, as the venue for the day’s activities, symbolizes rich cultural heritage and enduring democratic spirit, showcasing core values we cherish. He stressed that democracy is a fundamental human right, indispensable and unchallengeable, making the event especially meaningful.
87-year-old Sutton Van Vo, representing the Vietnamese-American community, highlighted the Vietnamese community’s deep understanding of the cruelty and corruption of communism and its threats to Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, and other regions. He called for unity in resisting communist encroachment, emphasizing the importance of anti-communist communities and hoping to establish close friendships and cooperation within the local community.
Sokha Oun, representing “Cambodian Americans for Democracy,” stated that Cambodia has been under dictatorship for over 40 years, and dissidents face persecution daily. He emphasized that democracy is a universal value, freedom in the United States is hard-won, and it must be safeguarded against erosion, warning against authoritarianism and advocating for the defense of freedom together.
Vanessa Calenzo from Colombia compared the Cumbia dance to democracy and freedom, stating that Cumbia is not just a form of music but a symbol of democracy and freedom. It inspires and passes down unity, pride, and the precious heritage of freedom to future generations.
During the event, Councilmember Ortiz, on behalf of the San Jose City Council, presented commendations to the various organizations involved in planning this significant event, expressing sincere respect and gratitude. The day also featured a spread of delicious food. Additionally, there were captivating performances of the San Tai Zi dance and cheongsam dance, enhancing the event with a rich cultural atmosphere. ◇