Chinese Grave Markers
by Theresa Tahara
Title
Chinese Grave Markers
Artist
Theresa Tahara
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Chinese Heritage Cemetery in Kamloops is the first memorial park in Canada to commemorate pioneer Chinese railway workers of the CPR and CNR. The railway section between Yale and Kamloops was the most difficult and expensive. Contractors saved millions of dollars by paying the Chinese workers less than the other laborers. They were called to do blasting and other dangerous work with little or no training and were known as "beasts of burden" and "living machines�. Excluding other causes of death, six hundred of them died while building the CPR - one man for every mile of railway.
Taken on a foggy winter morning last January. (All Rights Reserved)
Uploaded
May 27th, 2012
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Comments (23)
Gia Marie Houck
Theresa, thanks so much for posting this exquisite image to the cemetery thread. As you can see from your comments, I visited a few weeks ago. I am glad that more cemetery lovers will have the chance to see it now.
David Kehrli
A nicely artistic way to show where we'll all end up some day! Voted for this, too! David
Kim Kruger
This is mindful of Arlington and Ft. Snelling National Cemeteries, with markers that seem to stretch to infinity. Wonderful, albeit sorrowful, capture.
Gia Marie Houck
Extremely thought provoking image. I also sat and reflected on all the history. Beautiful simplicity...albeit very sad.
Xueling Zou
Wow, what a powerful capture in black and white! So sad that there were a lot of Chinese people died. But I am glad that you captured and shared it, so we all can remember their contribution to this place. Thank you so much, Theresa:-)!
Bob Orsillo
This is a very beautiful photograph. It is also a reminder of past sins and a fine dedication to those who died looking for a better life. - v/f
Odd Jeppesen
At the risk of having it sound like a pun (it definitely isn't), I find this so haunting. Beautiful work, Theresa.
Oliver Wong
Being a Chinese, I certainly am deeply touched and moved by your captivating shot. What a tragedy that so many men must die before we wake up. Now Lynas, a company from Australia, has completed the largest Rare Earth Plant (outside China) in Malaysia, just 35km from my house. Despite the people protest, it is going to start operation soon. My paintings -" Wake Up Lynas" , "Cry of Desperation", "Hope and Despair" and "Peace" are all expressed in this light. Thanks again Theresa for the reminder of what human are capable of doing because of greed.
Theresa Tahara replied:
Thank you for your comment, Oliver. I will keep a light of hope burning for Malaysia and for the rest of our beautiful Earth.
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