In a heartwarming tribute 82 years in the making, a new memorial has been unveiled in east China's Zhejiang Province, honoring the brave Chinese fishermen who risked it all to save over 380 British prisoners of war (POWs) during World War II.
Back in October 1942, the cargo vessel Lisbon Maru, carrying more than 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was struck by a U.S. submarine near the Zhoushan Islands. As chaos ensued, local fishermen sprang into action, putting their lives on the line to rescue those in perilous waters.
\"Love knows no boundary; Friendship transcends time,\" reads one of the inscriptions on the memorial, beautifully capturing the spirit of solidarity that transcended nations during those dark times. The memorial, crafted by the China Academy of Art, stands as a powerful reminder of humanity's capacity for compassion in the face of adversity.
Wu Buwei, a descendant of one of the heroic fishermen, shared emotionally, \"I hope more people learn about this chapter of history and remember those who made sacrifices for peace.\"
The memorial itself is a masterpiece—measuring 4.5 meters in length, 1.8 meters in height, and 1.7 meters in width. Weighing around one tonne and made of naval bronze, it captures the historic moment when the fishermen of Zhoushan stepped up in a big way.
As we reflect on this incredible story of courage and unity, it's a timely reminder that acts of kindness can ripple through generations. 🌊💙
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Memorial commemorating heroic WWII rescue unveiled in E China
cgtn.com
