May 28, 2006

Respectable US Congressmen and US Congresswomen:

I lost my son during the June 4th Massacre in Beijing in 1989.  I am also a member of Tian An Men Mothers.  I just learned that Congressman Chris Smith has sponsored a Bill (No. 794) to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the Tian An Men Event.  This action is most timely and significant to me and our victim families’ group.  I would like to express my thanks and respect to Congressman Smith and all our friends in the US Congress.

Many of your names are familiar to me.  I can remember Congressman Tom Lantos, Nancy Pelosi, and Chris Smith.  I feel embarrassed that I have delayed writing to you up until this day. I should have written much sooner. I am writing this letter on behalf of 126 June 4th victims and victim family members to express our gratitude for your support and concern.

In the past years you have followed and paid attention to the Tian An Men event in China. On many occasions you expressed your sympathy for the mothers, wives, and children who lost loved ones in that massacre.  When the victim families and I encountered difficulties you always extended your hands of help, which we will never forget.  I still remember that I made a recorded speech, aired at the June 4 Memorial Service in New York and Washington DC in 1997.  Respectable Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi not only attended the Memorial Service but also had it translated into English and put it into the US Congress record.  This action of Congresswoman Pelosi was circulated among the victim families, and we are all deeply touched for her support.

We do not forget that the US Congress passed a resolution in commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the Tian An Men Event before June 4, 2004.  In that resolution Congressmen demanded that the Chinese government reverse the verdict on June 4, establish an independent investigation commission, and compensate the victim families. That resolution also demanded that the Chinese government release all prisoners of conscience. The resolution condemned the Chinese government for violating human rights and asked the Chinese government to permit those in exile due to Tian An Men Event to return home to live freely. Congressman Lantos even nominated the “Tian An Men Mothers” for the Nobel Peace Prize that year.  This gave us moral support as well as emotional support for all of us mothers who have been seeking justice for our children.

In this world leaders of many countries, including those of some western countries, are saying that the June 4th Event in China is a matter in the past and that is now more important to do business with China.  In contrast, you are saying that the June 4th Event is not in the past. Also, you are saying that the conduct of violating human rights as in Tian An men event is still happening daily in China.  In the past 17 years I have lived in China and I can testify that what the US Congressmen are saying is true.

Please allow me to quote what Congressman Chris Smith said to the International Relation Committee.  He said that we must not forget what happened in Tian An Men Square.  Those young men and women who fought for democracy, liberty, and human rights were killed and sentenced or were sent to labor camps.  This event must be kept in front of the world because their conduct was truly heroic.  One day when China has a democratic government respecting human rights their verdict will be reversed.  Therefore, we must hold this hope, and we must commemorate these martyrs.  These words are most touching, and I believe any Chinese or non-Chinese with conscience would agree with Congressman Smith.

China can not exclude itself from the world mainstream for ever.  Eventually, there will be a peaceful change in China that will change China from an authoritarian society to a free and democratic society.  I believe that this change is starting.  This change will surely be welcomed by any western statesman with foresight.  In the light I pay respect to your persistent efforts, and I lay hope on your future support.

Ding Zilin