What were you doing on November 18th, four years ago? Watching a live broadcast at home? Or were you part of that broadcast, praying, feeling angry, and worried about what unfolded on the TV screen? Four years later, have those feelings diminished?
This past Saturday, Hongkongers and Ukrainians in Manchester united to walk the busiest streets, jointly voicing our stance against authoritarian governments. The turnout might have been lower than expected, possibly due to the weather or other factors, but this did not weaken our resolve. As we marched, exchanging encouraging looks, I deeply felt the march's significance. Every step was a reaffirmation of our convictions, and every individual was an indispensable part of this collective action.
"Is there a possibility that
The segment we're currently marching through
Is in the midst of history
With the endpoint far in the future
You won't witness it
But it will eventually emerge"
⟪The Year of Walking⟫ - my little airport
A single person can move quickly, but a group can go much further. We need each other's encouragement and for more people to join our ranks. The march may have been in the cold, perhaps even drizzling, but it was these very conditions that united and strengthened us further. Looking ahead, we need more Hong Kongers, more forceful voices, so our stance against authoritarian regimes can be seen, understood, and supported by more, fighting for the values we hold dear and seek to protect.
I hope to see the younger generation able to return to Hong Kong in my lifetime. What about you?
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