The George Washington of China: Sun Yat-sen Photo Exhibit March 9, 2012

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON OF CHINA: SUN YAT-SEN
Sun Yat-sen Photo Exhibit at the Library of Congress

Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) was revered as the “George Washington of China” – the founding father of the Republic of China. Possessing revolutionary ideas, Sun inspired his countrymen to share his vision of a modern China, and established the first democratic republic in Asia. His ideals for a free and prosperous democracy for the Chinese people continued to thrive after his death, and were the key to promoting Taiwan’s economic and democratic development after 1949.

In memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s achievement and contributions, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States and the Library of Congress will hold a special photo exhibit—“Sun Yat-sen: His Life and Legacy,” from March 10th through the 17th, at the Asian Reading Room in the U.S. Library of Congress.

The United States of America had a significant political influence on Sun. He attended high school in Hawaii, and converted to Christianity due to the time he spent abroad. Sun visited the U.S. seven times prior to establishing the Chinese Republic. He spent a total of nine years observing American institutions of democracy. Sun’s hope to reform China was strongly influenced by Abraham Lincoln’s idea of government “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

The appearance of the exhibit at the Library of Congress will be its East coast debut. In addition to the photos, some relevant, rare historical documents will also be exhibited. The event will be free. All visitors are welcome to view this exhibit March 10th through the 17th during normal library hours (Mon. – Sat.: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm). The Asian Reading Room of the Library of Congress is located at: 101 Independence Ave. SE, Thomas Jefferson Building, LJ 150, Washington, DC 20540-4810; Tel: (202) 707-3766).

For more information, please contact: Shannon Shiau, Press Division, TECRO, tel: 202-895-1854. [email protected]; Dr. Yuwu Song, Asian Division, The Library of Congress, tel: 202-707-3683, [email protected].