Twenty-two years ago, when I was just a year old, government-ordered tanks rolled into Tian'anmen Square to clear out the hundred of mostly student protesters that had gathered there calling for a government reforms and democracy. What started over a month before with peaceful protests ended with hundreds dead and even more hurt and wounded. The actual number of deaths that occurred at the square or as a result of violence at the Tian'anmen Square will probably never be actually known.
In today's word with the passing of time and China's rising prominence in the international arena, it's easy to forget this tragic anniversary and what all the protesters so bravely stood up for. I'm even ashamed to admit that this year, despite being in Beijing (or perhaps because I was in Beijing, where anything about this incident is kept very hush-hush), even I forgot myself this year on June 4th.
While the happenings on June 4th to some people is just another date in the world's long history, to Chinese people everywhere, this date of a very tragic importance. To many, the events June 4th is a continuing reminder of the failure of the Chinese Communist Party to rule in the best interests of its citizens and it's complete disregard for the value of human life.
On a more personal note, I know if it weren't for the events on June 4th, 1989 in Tian'anmen Square, my life would be very different today. In fact, I might be writing this in Chinese and not English had it not been for that day.
Nonetheless, if you're reading this, take the time to please pause and remember the many that died that fateful day in Beijing. Their heroism shouldn't be forgotten.
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