Fight against communist tyranny continues as memorial unveiled in Ottawa
- A new memorial honoring victims of communism was unveiled in Ottawa on December 12.
- Advocates stress that communist regimes continue to pose a threat with ongoing human rights abuses.
- The memorial serves as a reminder of Canada's commitment to freedom and the need for continued awareness.
Canada recently unveiled a monument dedicated to the victims of communism. The unveiling took place on December 12 in Ottawa at the Garden of the Provinces and Territories, marking 17 years since the initial proposal for its creation. This memorial, named the 'Memorial to the Victims of Communism—Canada, a Land of Refuge,' serves as a tribute to the countless individuals whose lives were affected by oppressive regimes. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from various diaspora groups who suffered under communist rule, including individuals from Eastern Europe and China. Ludwik Klimkowski, board chair of Tribute to Liberty, emphasized the ongoing danger posed by existing communist regimes, specifically highlighting that approximately 25 percent of Canadians have roots in countries impacted by communism. He expressed concern that younger generations may not be as vigilant regarding this ideology. Activists, including Sheng Xue and Pixing Zhang, underscored the continued atrocities committed by the Chinese Communist Party and stressed the importance of raising awareness about these crimes, including the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. During the ceremony, it was noted that communist tyranny remains a relevant issue today, with instances of persecution and human rights abuses ongoing in various countries, notably in China. Sheng Xue stated that the devastation caused by communist regimes has resulted in more deaths than both World Wars combined, with the estimated death toll under the Chinese Communist Party reaching around 96 million. The unveiling of this memorial is not just a historical acknowledgment but serves as a call to action for society to remember and confront the consequences of totalitarianism. Activists hope it will further educate the public and ensure that the history of such oppressive regimes is recognized and never repeated. As the Chinese Communist Party continues its repressive policies, the plight of those facing persecution remains critical, prompting discussions on how to combat these ongoing injustices.