HONG KONG - On May 28, 2006, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China held a "Patriotic Pro-Democracy March" to commemorate the seventeenth anniversary of the June Fourth Movement. The slogan, "Defend the Citizenship," was also used in the procession this year. Si Tuhua, president of the Hong Kong Alliance, explained that the present wave to uphold human rights in China is the starting point for establishing a democratic system, which also coincides with the five goals of the Hong Kong Alliance.
Participants of the parade held a rally in Victoria Park in spite of the rain. The procession began at 3 p.m. from the government headquarters and took the Hennessy Road and Queensway. During the march, participants shouted the slogans, "Rehabilitate the June Fourth Movement" and "Defend the Citizenship." Many local residents also joined the parade. A participant pointed out that the parade was meaningful because its theme directly reflects the sentiment of the general public.
Quitting the Communist Party is Related to the June Fourth Movement
A group of participants in the march who also support quitting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) held a banner that read, "Over 10 Million People Have Quit the CCP." One of them explained the relationship between quitting the CCP and the June Fourth Movement by pointed out that the June Fourth Movement would not be redressed unless the totalitarian Chinese communist regime collapses.
Some participants believe that the June Fourth Movement must be rehabilitated in order to vindicate the deaths of those many students. Moreover, the CCP was in the wrong in refusing to listen to the appeals of the people and for utilizing bullets, the army and tanks to suppress students. They wish that this dictatorship would soon end in China.
Every year, some people from mainland China also take part in the events to commemorate the June Fourth Movement. This year, a tourist from mainland China said that the parade is very meaningful and that she was glad she had the opportunity to be part of it. She wished to experience the pain of the mothers whose children died on Tiananmen Square and believes that these mothers should be more accurately appraised.
A student explained that the purpose of the parade was to ask the CCP to rehabilitate the June Fourth Movement and to apologize to the victims. This is a typical example in which the CCP brutally tramples human rights. Therefore, rehabilitation of June Fourth will be a good starting point for democracy in China.
A mother brought her children along to the event. She said that although the June Fourth Movement happened 17 years ago, the grief does not fade with time. She has participated in this event 17 times and has brought her nine-year-old son along since his birth.
Another parent explained that she wishes her son to commemorate those who died in 1989. She points out that although her son is still too young to understand the background of the June Fourth Movement, she believes that participating in the activities and feeling the atmosphere will aid in his development.
Before the march concluded, Si Tuhua read a proclamation in front of the government headquarters. He explained that the addition of the slogan, "Defend the Citizenship," in this year's parade was because of the current movement in mainland China to uphold human rights. Mr. Si said, "Last year, there were over 80 thousand cases of human rights abuses in China, which equates to one case every six minutes on average. The movement to defend human rights also exposes the corruption and collusion of lawless CCP governmental officials. The CCP suppresses minority groups and encroaches on the rights of the people by force and bullets.
Moreover, the popularity of the human rights movement also proves that public conscience and strength continues to rise even under high pressure from the CCP. These are the foundation for establishing a democratic nation and coincide with the five goals of the Hong Kong Alliance: release pro-democratic individuals; rehabilitate the June Fourth Movement, investigate those responsible for the massacre; end dictatorship and establish a democratic system in China."
 Gu Siyao and other democracy supporters carry a coffin to signify sending the CCP to its grave. (Li Ming, The Epoch Times)
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 The procession passed through Sogo Department Store located in Causeway Bay. Third from the left is Liu Huiqing, one of the main parade organizers. (Li Ming/The Epoch Times)
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