[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H6079-H6080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TIANANMEN ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, 20 years ago today the brutal massacre of 
peaceful student demonstrators occurred in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, 
China, by the People's Liberation Army. Hundreds, perhaps thousands 
were shot, killed or wounded, including being run over by tanks. The 
extraordinary image of a man standing unarmed in front of a row of 
Chinese tanks has become one of the most famous photos of the 21st 
century and will forever be ingrained in our memories. That man 
represents thousands of others thirsting for freedom, thousands who 
were arrested and detained. Some of those are still in labor camps 
today.
  This week we pause to remember the lives of those who were tragically 
lost in the massacre and imprisoned in the gulag. We honor their 
courage and their stand for freedom. China has made significant 
progress towards economic reform, but political reform is still needed 
to ensure the fundamental rights of the people, such as freedom of 
religion, expression and assembly.

[[Page H6080]]

  The Chinese Government continues to intimidate reporters, block Web 
sites, jam broadcasts and censor the Internet. We look forward to a day 
when the people of China are truly free. That day will surely come.

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