Today is December 13, 2023, the 10th anniversary of the National Memorial Day. On this day 10 years ago, our country held a national public memorial ceremony for the first time, offering the highest condolences and respect to the 300,000 compatriots who were tragically attacked by the Japanese invaders in Nanjing, as well as the 35 million martyrs and civilians who died in the War of Resistance Against Japan. Over the past 10 years, we have held various forms of commemorative activities on this day every year to cherish the memory of the martyrs, reflect on history, warn the future, strengthen our faith, cherish peace, and work hard to make the country strong.
The Nanjing Da** is one of the most cruel, barbaric and criminal events in human history. On December 13, 1937, the Japanese invading forces captured Nanjing, the capital of China, and then carried out indiscriminate **, looting and destruction for six weeks. They used knives, guns, bayonets, iron hooks, flamethrowers, and other cruel means to brutally torture and kill men, women, and children in Nanjing. They also used live experiments, bacteriological warfare, poison gas and other illegal methods to carry out countless atrocities against the Chinese people. It is estimated that 300,000 Chinese compatriots died tragically under the sword of the Japanese invaders in Nanjing Da** alone. This is a nightmare for human civilization and a disaster for the country and the nation.
Nanjing Da ** is the most tragic page of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and it is also the most unforgettable memory of the Chinese people. The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War and a just war waged by the Chinese people against the Japanese fascists for national independence and freedom. In this war, the Chinese people paid great sacrifices and showed stubborn resistance. During the eight years of arduous struggle, the Chinese people fought side by side with international friends, jointly fought against the Japanese fascist aggression, and made indelible contributions to the victory of world peace. In this war, the Chinese lost 35 million lives, including 15 million martyrs and 20 million civilians. This is a victory won by the Chinese people with their blood and lives for the dignity of the country and the nation.
The Nanjing Great War and the War of Resistance Against Japan were the national humiliation of the Chinese people and the national prestige of the Chinese people. They tell us that history will not forget, justice will not be absent, and peace will not be natural. They tell us that we must remember history, never forget our national shame, safeguard our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, defend our country's security and interests, oppose all forms of aggression and hegemony, and safeguard world peace and justice. They tell us that we must strengthen our convictions, work hard to make the country strong, build a prosperous, strong, democratic, civilized, and harmonious modern socialist country, realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and make new contributions to the progress and development of human civilization.
Today, we are here to pay the highest tribute to the heroes of Nanjing and the War of Resistance Against Japan. Their sacrifice is our motivation;Their spirit is our soul. Let us remember history, never forget the national shame, inherit and carry forward their fine traditions, and make unremitting efforts to realize the great dream of the Chinese nation, build a community with a shared future for mankind, and create a better future for mankind