(California — April 4, 2026) A large-scale statue titled “Gazing at the Starry Sky — Gao Zhisheng” (仰望星空—高智晟) was officially unveiled today at Liberty Sculpture Park in California. Civil rights activists, religious leaders, and individuals from various sectors around the world gathered to stand in solidarity for Gao Zhisheng. A human rights lawyer who has been missing for years and is hailed as the “Conscience of China,” and to pay tribute to his fearless resistance against authoritarianism and his pursuit of justice.

Engraving Courage: An Indomitable Beacon Piercing the Long Night

The ceremony began in a solemn atmosphere. In his opening remarks, host Feng Congde (封从德) stated: “This statue is erected not only to commemorate suffering, but to highlight courage. It declares to the world: in the long night of communist tyranny, lawyer Gao Zhisheng is never alone and never absent. The body may be imprisoned, but justice cannot be erased.”

All attendees then stood to sing the national anthem and the National Flag Anthem of the Republic of China, expressing their commitment to the ideal of a democratic China.

A Fusion of Art and Will: A Year of Tireless Creation

The statue is the result of a year of painstaking work by renowned sculptor and founder of Liberty Sculpture Park, Chen Weiming (陈维明). In his introduction, Chen expressed special thanks to Gao Zhisheng’s wife, Geng He (耿和), who provided significant assistance and guidance throughout the creative process, enabling the sculpture to capture Gao’s resolute character vividly.

As a public space dedicated to commemorating victims of communism and promoting the ideals of freedom, Liberty Sculpture Park’s new statue embodies the dedication and effort of countless volunteers and supporters.

A Celebration of Many: Historic Moment of A Joint Unveiling Ceremony

Before an attentive audience, the unveiling guests removed the red covering. The distinguished guests included:

• Piero Tozzi (U.S. congressional expert)
• Bob Fu (President of ChinaAid)
• Geng He (wife of Gao Zhisheng)
• as well as human rights advocates, including Che Ahn, Eddie Romero, Zhou Fengsuo, and Arthur Liu.

The ceremony featured a blend of culture and faith. Elizabeth, the great-granddaughter of Chief Crazy Horse, offered a traditional Native American prayer for the victims. Liberty Sculpture Park spokesperson Lise King delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the park’s symbolic role in the global movement for freedom.

A Moving Moment: Geng He is Speech and World Premiere of Original Music

Geng He’s speech deeply moved those in attendance. Despite having had no confirmed news of her husband for years, she continues to uphold his beliefs steadfastly.

The event then transitioned into a profoundly emotional cultural segment. The song “Watcher in the Abyss,” composed by an anonymous contributor, was given its world premiere by Geng Lutao (耿陆韬) and was dedicated to Gao Zhisheng and all souls who uphold conscience in the darkness.

Cross-Sector Support: A United Human Rights Front

Pastor Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, served as host and interpreter, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and the rule of law. Lawyer Liu Jun (刘俊), a witness to the Tiananmen events; Vietnam War veteran and human rights activist Pastor Eddie Romero; representatives from Amnesty International; and prominent dissidents including Zhou Fengsuo (周锋锁), Qin Bing (秦兵), Fang Zheng (方政), and Zhu Yufu (朱虞夫) also delivered remarks, demonstrating a united front against authoritarianism and in pursuit of democracy and human rights.

Closing: Starlight Endures in History

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by the artist Chen Weiming, who called on the international community to continue paying attention to Gao Zhisheng’s situation. He emphasized that as long as the flame of freedom endures, Gao’s spirit will shine like the stars, guiding China toward a civilized future.

About Liberty Sculpture Park

Located in Yermo, California, it is the world’s largest sculpture park dedicated to the pursuit of democracy and freedom and to commemorating the victims of communism.

Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent for ChinaAid