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Monday, June 6, 2016

My First Time to See the Lights in China on June 4

Since starting this blog, I have noted what I saw on June 4, whether in Chengdu (2011), in Xining (2012), in Qingdao (2013), in Hengyang (2014), or in Changsha (2015). One common theme of those days was what I saw seemed unremarkable compared to many other days I have experienced in China.

For most of June 4 this year, much was the same. But that night I saw something which undoubtedly spoke to the day's importance. It only happened because I was in a part of China where the rules are different — where people are allowed to remember.

When a friend and I arrived at the vigil commemorating the 27th anniversary of the crackdown in Tiananmen Square, we were told the main area was already full and were diverted to another area in the park with large video screens. After spending some time there, we made our way to the main area, which held more video screens and the main stage. And there were candles. Lots of candles.

Presented in the order they were taken, below are photos from Victoria Park in Hong Kong on the night of June 4, 2016. They are unlike any photo I have taken in mainland China on June 4. They are unlike any photo I have taken in mainland China on any day.

For me, they are rather remarkable.


person holding a candle at a vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

woman and girl holding candles at a vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

2016 vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

young woman holding a candle at the vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

hand holding a candle at the vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

"Vindicate June 4th" sign at the vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown

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