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A Former Pam Am Flight Attendant Recalls The Tiananmen Ordeal at Film Event in Monterey

On April 15, 2024, at the film screening event, Ellen Gannon, woman in a blue jacket, recounts her firsthand experiences of the June 4th Tiananmen Student Massacre in 1989. For her, the opportunity of recounting those events was deeply therapeutic, marking the first time she opened up about her ordeal during the Massacre.

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By Kevin James Jeffery, Staff Middle Land

May 1, 2024
3:49 pm
Los Angeles, CA

In the dimly lit hall of the Stanton Center in Monterey, CA, the story of one man’s defiance echoed through the hearts of those gathered. “Tiananmen Mission: Unchain China, Unchain the World” took center stage on Monday, April 15th, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of courage and devotion amidst a backdrop of tyranny and oppression. This gripping film chronicles the true story of Zhang Jian, a young man whose unwavering commitment to justice propelled him to the forefront of a historic struggle. Sara J, deeply moved by the film’s narrative, shared her insights on Zhang’s journey, reflecting on the poignant portrayal of his life. “I’m two years younger than him (Zhang), so this happened when I was in high school,” she remarked, her voice tinged with

April 27, 1989. As the protests grow in size, the students hold hands to keep the demonstrations “pure” and to remind everyone that they were the ones who began the protests. The banner behind them reads, “Against Government Officials´Wrongdoing and Against Violence.” (Photo: Radio Free Asia)

May 7, 1989 Thousands take to the street and crowd the Avenue of Eternal Peace. Photo: Radio Free Asia)

Zhang Jian energizes the students protesting during the 1989 student movement in Beijing.

Sara J, deeply moved by the film’s narrative, shared her insights on Zhang’s journey, reflecting on the poignant portrayal of his life. “I’m two years younger than him (Zhang), so this happened when I was in high school,” she remarked, her voice tinged with nostalgia. Her sentiment encapsulates the profound impact of Zhang’s journey, bridging generational gaps and evoking empathy across time and space.

Among the audiences, a former Pan Am flight attendant had an opportunity to recount her experiences during Tiananmen student movement in Beijing. Ellen Gannon, whose firsthand experience in China during the tumultuous period of the massacre lends credibility to her words, echoed a sentiment of awe and disbelief. “This film shows how the local people and the police were all empathizing,” she remarked, her tone laced with somber reflection. Her recollection of the events paints a vivid picture of the solidarity and sacrifice that defined the struggle for justice in the face of adversity.

At the heart of “Tiananmen Mission” lies the indomitable spirit of Zhang Jian, a beacon of hope in a sea of despair. Born and raised in the Tongzhou district of Beijing, Zhang’s journey is one of unwavering patriotism and steadfast resolve. From his early years, he harbored a deep-seated belief in the ideals espoused by the Communist Party, viewing propaganda as a guiding philosophy rather than a tool of manipulation.

However, it was Zhang’s involvement in the student protest movement that catapulted him into the annals of history. Faced with the oppressive reality of a government intent on silencing dissent, Zhang’s convictions were put to the ultimate test. As the crackdown on protesters intensified, Zhang found himself thrust into a leadership role, tasked with safeguarding his peers and maintaining order amidst chaos.

May 17, 1989 Protest gather around the Monument to the People Heroes on Tiananmen Square. (Photo: Radio Free Asia)

The documentary provides a rare glimpse into the fervent energy of the youth movement that engulfed Tiananmen Square. Against a backdrop of political upheaval and societal unrest, students from all walks of life united in a chorus of dissent, clamoring for democracy and reform. “I thought the whole thing was great. I liked the early history about his life,” Sara J noted, her eyes alight with admiration. “People see the pictures of his protests and the tanks, but they don’t know what happened on a daily basis.”

Yet, amidst the fervor of protest, tragedy struck with a force that reverberated throughout the nation. The events of June 4th, 1989, forever etched in the collective memory of a generation, cast a shadow of darkness over Tiananmen Square. In the face of unspeakable violence and unimaginable loss, Zhang Jian stood as a symbol of defiance, confronting the forces of oppression with unwavering resolve.

The film’s portrayal of Zhang’s harrowing ordeal serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. “Even though it was long, it’s not dull, and it’s got a very good flow. So I’m very happy you made it,” Sara J remarked, her voice resonating with appreciation. Her words underscore the enduring impact of Zhang’s story, an exemplification of the power of storytelling in preserving the legacy of those who dare to defy tyranny.

In May 1989, students went on hunger strike to urge the government toward a dialogue. During this time, Muriel Southerland photographed the hunger-striking students and their supporters. The original hunger strikers. (Photo: Radio Free Asia)

Ellen Gannon, reflecting on the emotional toll of the events depicted in the film, offered a poignant perspective on the atrocities committed during the Tiananmen Square Massacre. “There are just no words to describe what took place,” she solemnly remarked, her voice laden with the weight of history. Her words serve as a haunting reminder of the human cost of dissent in the face of tyranny.

June 5- T 59 tanks are posotioned to defend the square by controlling access to the Avenue of Eternal peace near the second Ring Road-about 4 miles forma the Square. (Photo: Radio Free Asia)

As the credits roll and the audience reflects on the profound impact of Zhang Jian’s story, one thing becomes abundantly clear: “Tiananmen Mission: Unchain China, Unchain the World” is more than a film; it is evidence of the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of tyranny. Zhang Jian may have faced bullets, temptation, and the grinding daily struggle of life, but his legacy lives on as an inspiration to us all.

Lesser known photograph showing a wider perspective of the large number of tanks forced to stop for a man, for a few minutes at the Tiananmen Square in Beijing in June 1989. (Photo: unabrevehistoria)

With every screening, his story serves as a rallying cry for justice and a tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to defy oppression. In a world plagued by injustice and inequality, Zhang Jian’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a brighter, more just future for all.