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Here’s what tens of thousands of people who didn’t forget Tiananmen look like

They’ll never forget.
They’ll never forget.
Image: Reuters/Paul Yeung
By
Annalisa Merelli
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The post has been updated.

Leading up to the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, when hundreds of people were killed in a military crackdown on pro-democracy protests, the Chinese government has done its best to ensure that the episode is successfully erased from Chinese citizens’ memories. It could not, however, enforce amnesia on Hong Kong, where tens of thousands gathered at the city’s Victoria Park to mark the anniversary with a candlelight vigil. Here are some of the powerful images from that event:

A miniature Goddess of Democracy candlestick is displayed during a candlelight vigil in Hong Kong
The Goddess of Democracy.
Image: Reuters/Paul Yeung
Participant mourn those killed during June 4th military crackdown on pro-democracy movement in Beijing, at Hong Kong's Victoria Park
Young people gathered in Victoria Park, Hong Kong.
Image: Reuters/Bobby Yip
Student protesters walk with wreath during candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park to commemorate those killed during June 4th military crackdown on pro-democracy movement in Beijing
Students walk with a wreath.
Image: Reuters/Bobby Yip
A participant looks on as she and others mourn those killed during military crackdown on pro-democracy movement in Beijing, at Hong Kong's Victoria Park
A woman takes part to the candlelight vigil for Tiananmen anniversary.
Image: Reutes/Bobby Yip
Hong Kong China Tiananmen Anniversary
“Fight to the end.”
Image: AP Photo/Kin Cheung
People take part in a candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park on 25th anniversary of June 4th military crackdown on pro-democracy movement in Beijing
People hold up their candles in remembrance.
Image: Reuters/Bobby Yip
Candlelight vigil in Victoria Park
A view from above.
Image: Reuters/Bobby Yip

UPDATE: The South China Morning Post reports that the number of people in attendance was 180,000 according to  the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements, and 99,500 according to the police.