Alone he stood; Alone he stands.
The photo only shows 4 tanks; what isn’t captured is the continuing line of tanks: at least ten others behind the four. A column of tanks, all standing together, yet he stood alone.
He had a choice, when the tanks came.
He didn’t initiate the protest. He didn’t even set out that day with an agenda to become iconic. In fact from the video it appears that he was simply walking home with the groceries….when the tanks came.
He had to be aware his government was willing to murder its own citizens. Just the day before they had stormed into Tiananmen Square and killed hundreds, if not thousands. Murdered for the simple “crime” of protesting against their own government; Murdered by their own government: his government. That yesterday, this was today. Yesterday his government controlled the most powerful army in the world. Today, he controlled only himself!
He had a choice, when the tanks came.
His simple courage is forever etched in our consciousness; One cannot easily forget the image after seeing it. He had a choice, when the tanks came: he chose courage!
He’s the most famous protester of Tiananmen Square; His identity is unknown; he’s know fittingly as simply: Tank Man. He did the unthinkable! He stopped a line of tanks in their tracks; He held them at bay with no weapons, no authority, no power, other than his sole determination to stand in the way on behalf of others. Read more about him here or here.
He had a choice, when the tanks came.
One person can put a thousand to flight, or stop great military might, when they are driven and inspired by a noble cause. One person, with a simple act, can provoke positive change.
Like Tank Man, we all have choices, when the tanks of our lives come against us. Like Tank Man our choices will impact others. The important question isn’t what will our choice be, but rather: Will our choices affect positive or negative change.
What are the “tanks” in your life today? What is the choice you will make?
Please share your answers to these questions: just post a comment below.
