For the last 18 years of her life, Soong lived in a large bedroom in the mansion on the grounds, equipped with a desk, a vanity, a dinner table for three, a television, radio and piano. Perched on the piano is a wooden statue of a nude Chinese woman, perhaps a reminder of the sensuality and the chance to be a wife and mother she had to leave behind in order to serve her country and the memory of her husband.

Even so, it is only appropriate that the Party's icon of feminine virtue be recognized on Children's Day.

The Soong Ching Ling Foundation is holding a series of activities at the former residence from June 1 to June 6, said Li Xuejing, who is responsible for propaganda for the foundation.

On Sunday, for example, the foundation worked with the State Tobacco Monopoly Bureau to hold a quiz for children, emphasizing the bad effects of tobacco.

Such tributes may seem far removed from Soong's complicated life story. But children, of course, can make little sense of the complex changes that shaped her life, or the tremendous sacrifices she made with such dignity, sacrifices quite movingly on display at her former residence.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments