Dr. Sun’s Monument Unveiled at Orlando Chinatown

A monument of revered revolutionary leader and Founding Father of contemporary China, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, was unveiled at Orlando Chinatown, West Colonial Drive, on Monday.

The first of its kind in a commercial location in the United States, the momument of Dr. Sun was donated and unveiled by his granddaughter, Dr. Lily Sun, who came from Hawaii to perform the honors.

Without Dr. Sun, there would be no modern China, Dr. Lily Sun told the gathering of mayors, government officials and representatives of the Asian American community.

“Dr. Sun’s legacy resides in his developing of the political philosophy known as the Three Principles of the People: nationalism, democracy and the people’s livelihood,” she said.

Dr. Sun added that she hoped the monument will serve as a symbol of the Chinese people’s desire for world peace.  She urged study of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s speeches by scholars and experts, so as to find solutions to the many problems currently being faced by democratic political systems.

Today’s ceremony was attended by Mayors Scott Vandergrift, of Ocoee and Jim Swan, of Kissimmee, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and Orange County Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell (District 6).

All expressed their appreciation for the Dr. Sun’s monument and underscored the bonds and diversity it symbolizes between the peoples of China and Central Florida, including Orange County.

Born in 1866, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen was considered one of the greatest leaders of modern China and was the first provisional president when the Republic of China was founded in 1912. He played a leading role during the 1911 Revolution which led to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty.

Today marked the 87th anniversary of Dr. Sun’s passing. He died in Beijing on March 12, 1925.

Others in attendance at the unveiling ceremony included, Mr. Ray Mou, Director General of Economic and Cultural Office in Miami; Mr. Paul Liau, President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Kissimmee and member, Board of Directors, Orlando Chinatown; Ms. Zoraida Velasco, representing Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs; Special Assistant to Mayor Jacobs, Ms. Carol Clarke; Dr. Kim Springsteen, Commissioner of Asian American Affairs and Mr. Bryon Sutton, President of the World Trade Center in Orlando.