Every year since 2022, at the onset of spring and summer, the memorial ceremony for the escaped Hong Kong victims will be held at the Heng Fu Cemetery in New Jersey. The dual monuments, erected by survivors of the escape, commemorate those who sacrificed their lives half a century ago in the pursuit of freedom and happiness, serving as a somber reminder of that painful history to future generations.
This year’s memorial service is scheduled for June 8th (Saturday) at noon and will include traditional rites such as burning incense, laying flowers, and offering condolences, followed by a discussion near the memorial. It is hoped that this message will be widely disseminated to encourage more like-minded individuals to participate in this meaningful event.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Guangdong escapees, mainly consisting of rural youths, faced immense hardships during their journey to Hong Kong. Some perished due to starvation during the arduous trek, or fell to their deaths from cliffs, or met their fate in the sea at the hands of sharks, and even tragically succumbed to gunfire. The exact number of casualties during this journey remains difficult to calculate.
Following Hong Kong’s initiation of memorial activities for the victims in 2014, the “Memorial Monuments for Escaped Hong Kong Victims” on the East Coast were erected in 2022 and 2023, inscribed with the names of 346 individuals who lost their lives. Upholding the commitment of “never to forget year after year,” survivors, their families, and the second generation hold annual memorial services, now in its third year. Efforts are ongoing to collect more names to ensure more fallen comrades find rest on the free soil of America!
Address of the Heng Fu Cemetery: 17 Lafayette Rd, Sparta, NJ 07871. For out-of-town friends in need of accommodation arrangements, please refer to the website link https://www.tgzqwus.com.