Historical remembrance once again framed a national memorial ceremony held Saturday in Nanjing, as China honored victims of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre and renewed calls to preserve documented truth. More broadly, the event underscored Beijing’s view that remembrance serves as a safeguard against historical denial and future conflict.
The ceremony took place at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. There, thousands gathered in dark attire with white flowers pinned to their chests. Meanwhile, China’s national flag flew at half-mast as survivors, students, diplomats, and international guests attended, highlighting both domestic and global significance.
Notably, officials marked the 12th national memorial day amid growing concern over the rapid decline in living survivors. In particular, 96-year-old survivor Xia Shuqin followed the ceremony from her home in Nanjing. As a child, she lost seven family members during the massacre and sustained serious injuries.
During remarks, Xia emphasized that remembrance remains essential. Furthermore, she warned that refusing to confront historical crimes increases the risk of future atrocities. Importantly, she described remembrance as a moral responsibility rather than a political accusation.
Historically, the massacre began on Dec. 13, 1937, after Japanese forces captured the then-Chinese capital. Over the following six weeks, troops killed approximately 300,000 civilians and prisoners. Consequently, the episode stands among World War II’s most severe atrocities.
At the same time, organizers stressed that historical remembrance grows more urgent as survivor numbers continue shrinking. According to memorial hall records, only 24 registered survivors remain alive nationwide. As a result, institutions now shoulder increasing responsibility for preserving memory.
Beyond China, international commemorations have also drawn attention. For example, organizers planned events in San Jose honoring the legacy of author Iris Chang. Her book documenting the massacre, meanwhile, played a crucial role in raising global awareness decades after the war.
In addition, Chang’s family renewed criticism of historical revisionism by some Japanese political figures. Separately, scholars warned that textbook changes and public rhetoric have weakened understanding of wartime actions among younger generations.
Zhang Sheng, a leading historian on the massacre, said distorted narratives undermine reconciliation and regional trust. By contrast, he noted that Germany’s postwar accountability efforts offer an alternative model of historical responsibility.
Importantly, experts emphasized that acknowledging history does not assign collective guilt to present generations. Instead, speakers highlighted truth, education, and empathy as foundations for lasting peace.
Since 2014, China has designated Dec. 13 as a national memorial day to institutionalize remembrance. Consequently, authorities have expanded preservation through museums, films, archives, and international exhibitions.
Meanwhile, academics noted that remembrance efforts increasingly rely on institutional records as eyewitness accounts diminish. Similarly, younger visitors said memorials provide deeper understanding beyond textbooks or abstract casualty figures.
Ultimately, the ceremony concluded with renewed calls for historical remembrance, urging vigilance, peace, and sustained respect for documented truth across generations.
