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COMMENTS ON THIS BILLBOARD

Apr 8, 2008

>> The the onlookers pulled him to "safety" instead of being inspired by his actions to join him. I hope that I would have found the courage to stay with him. Doug H., New Braunfels

Apr 2, 2008

>> Taught me to never lose faith. Alvin K. Y, Toronto, ON

Nov 30, 2007

>> I do feel this way about my life. Thomas B., Cinncinnati, Ohio USA

Nov 19, 2007

>> The first time I heard about what this man did I was in history class, and I got the chills. Thinking about how one man's courage changed the course of so many people's lives has inspired me to be the person who stands up for others. Kate L., Moab, Utah USA

Nov 16, 2007

>> I love this picture. It shows that even one person can make a difference in the world. Nok J.,

Oct 3, 2007

>> I get this same feeling like it's just me against the world. I see so many problems in my community and I see that I have a purpose. Jared, Detroit, MI, USA

Aug 31, 2007

>> I've stood in the exact spot where this happened. But instead of tanks there are now young people, full of energy and excitement who are going to take China to the next level. There is now a clock right across the street from this spot counting down the 2008 Olympics. Who would have guessed? I think this young man got the ball rolling. Brooks D., Eagle, Idaho USA

Aug 13, 2007

>> A lot of Americans take our freedoms for granted. They have not lived in an oppressed world. I remember seeing this on the evening television news. Ahh, to dream the American Dream. The lone voice to speak common sense. The lone person to stand up for a cause. Jim B., USA

Jul 6, 2007

>> If only I could have such courage. I will try to get a piece of such courage and "pass it on." Marie S., Fort Drum, New York USA

May 21, 2007

>> I got chills when I saw this on the news. I got chills when I saw it on your website. That we all had such courage. Chad W., Utah, USA

May 17, 2007

>> Incredible how one act can change the world! Chad W., Utah, USA

May 9, 2007

>> Amazing. Leah W., Canada

May 8, 2007

>> I remember that day. It sticks in my mind and will forever show me that one person CAN make a difference in the way others think and act. Travis B., Utah

May 6, 2007

>> For some reason with this photo I always notice the bags he was holding. It looks as if he was coming home from an errand, then in one moment saw something so important he had to act. His whole life probably changed that day. A very brave person. chris, utah, usa

Apr 25, 2007

>> I have no comment but to say that this person is standing in front of tanks and is not scared Shaun H, ONTARIO

>> WOW THAT'S SO COURAGEOUS!!!!! HANNAH &RAQUEL, BARRIE ONTARIO

>> very nice evan L, barrie

Mar 20, 2007

>> As many times as I have seen this image over the years, it is truly striking each time. This image and this individual is a stunning demonstration of courage. I just read the 'backstory' on this, and I did not know that this outstanding person is unknown? Does that remain true? Do we know who this person is? I would like to know more. I really do think this is really remarkable. Think of the setting, the threat, the danger--and the guts and strength this decision and action took.

ADD YOUR OWN COMMENT

The photograph captured the attention of the world. On June 5, 1989, a lone man stood in front of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square. His act of peaceful defiance was captured on film and later made headlines after he slipped back into anonymity.

There is a story behind the photograph. Chinese citizens assembled in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China as a protest. What started small, a few workers and students, grew into over one million people who gathered for seven weeks in the spring of 1989. The gathering was mostly peaceful, until the early hours of June 4. The government struck back against the protestors. Government tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square killing hundreds of workers, students, doctors and children.

On the next day, the lone man stood up to the tanks. Dressed simply in slacks and a white shirt, carrying what seemed to be shopping bags, he stood in the way of 18 tanks. The lead tank swerved to go around him; he moved to block it. Then he climbed on the tank and spoke briefly with the soldiers. As soon as he climbed down, onlookers pulled the peaceful protestor to safety.

There have been discussions of who the anonymous man was, but we may never know for sure. However, his peaceful resistance is an image that will live in the memory of the world: One lone man courageously blocking a line of tanks.