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June 4 Candlelight Vigil
- VSSDM
- 15 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement (VSSDM) will host a Candlelight Vigil on June 4, 2026, marking the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
Under the theme “Commemorating Tiananmen is Not a Crime”, the event honour the victims of June 4, 1989, while reaffirming the importance of historical memory, human rights, and democratic values.
In recent years, public commemorations have been increasingly suppressed in Hong Kong. Since September 2021, activists Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan have been detained on charges of "inciting subversion of state power," in connection with their roles in commemorating June 4.
They have been held without bail for over four years, with their trial scheduled for January 2026. If convicted, they face sentences of up to 10 years in prison. Their cases have drawn international concern and highlight the growing risks associated with remembering historical events.
As public commemorative space continues to shrink in Hong Kong and elsewhere, it is increasingly important to continue speaking out and safeguarding historical truth here in Canada.
June 4 (Thursday) — Candlelight Vigil
Location: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Programme
4:00 PM: Exhibitions & Booths
June 4, 1989 — Historical Exhibition
What Happened in Hong Kong in 2019? — Exhibition
Books and T-shirt Sales
Letter Writing to Political Prisoners
7:00 PM: Candlelight Vigil begins
Friendly Reminders
Candles: Provided by the organizers
Seating: Please bring your own mat or lawn chair
Weather: Dress appropriately for the weather
Environment: Please take your garbage home with you
Remembrance is not only about the past, but also about the present and future.
Remembering June 4 is a peaceful act of conscience — a stand for the universal values of freedom, truth, and human dignity. Commemorating Tiananmen is not a crime.
The public, media, and community members of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend.