Statement at the 18th Anniversary of June 4 Memorial Service in Washington DC on Saturday, June 2, 2007Jianhua Yang Dear Friends, Good evening! Today, we, the people who cherish the value of life, pursue freedom, and uphold democracy, gather together again to remember the heroes and heroines who gave their lives 18 years ago for defending the fundamental values of mankind. To some people this may just look like a simple ceremony, but it is simple perseverance that enabled us to resist collective forgetfulness and it is simple determination that strengthened us to overcome every uncivilized repetition of that tragic history. This is the simple commitment of every good heart. In my brother Jianli's chest, there throbs a heart such as that. Therefore, on behalf of Jianli and our whole family, I gratefully and humbly accept the Spirit of Freedom Award granted by the Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars in the USA (IFCSS). You have bestowed a great honor on our entire family. When I told Jianli about this wonderful news, he reiterated that there are so many devoted activists inside China who are more deserving than he to receive such an honor. And he pledged that he will regard it as an encouragement and an expectation from his friends at IFCSS to maintain his dedication to the noble cause of freedom. Being with Jianli in the two weeks following his release, I found that every compliment he received reminded him to remain humble while inspiring him to a higher level of diligence and excellence. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who offered their kind support to Jianli and to our family over the past five years. Please accept our deep and heartfelt gratitude to you all. This is what Jianli has repeatedly urged me to do. Jianli was truly sorry that he could not be here in person tonight, but said he is close in spirit with every one of you. May the June 4th immortal souls rest in the bosom of God! May God bless the Chinese people! Thank you all. -------------------------- |