(Washington, D.C. — April 24, 2026) On April 23, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation held its 19th Annual Roll Call of Nations Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Dr. John Jiajun Qiu (邱家军) attended as a representative of ChinaAid Association, laid a wreath, and gave a commemorative speech.
Located in Washington, D.C., the “Victims of Communism Memorial” features a sculpture of profound historical significance. The design is modeled after the “Goddess of Democracy” statue created by students during the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy movement. This memorial not only honors past victims but also serves as a reminder that the pursuit of freedom and human rights is a universal value that transcends borders and historical eras.
The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation was established in 1993, authorized by an act unanimously passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton. Its core mission is to educate the public about the negative impact of communism and to commemorate more than 100 million victims worldwide.
According to authoritative historical research (such as The Black Book of Communism), it is estimated that more than 100 million people died under communist regimes in the 20th century. This includes victims of purges, manufactured famines, labor camps, mass executions, and violent repression.
China is considered the country with the largest number of victims. Scholars estimate that, during the Great Leap Forward alone, approximately 30 to 45 million people perished from famine. The subsequent Cultural Revolution and various political campaigns led to millions more deaths and the devastation of countless families.
ChinaAid Association calls on everyone committed to freedom and human rights to join us in exposing the truth and supporting persecuted Christians. Stand with us until justice rolls on like a river and righteousness like a mighty stream.
The event brought together diplomatic representatives from multiple countries, human rights advocates, and families of victims, all of whom expressed their support for global freedom and democracy.
