On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Chinese mainland held its 12th national memorial day ceremony in Nanjing to honor the estimated 300,000 innocent lives lost during the Nanjing Massacre of late 1937 to early 1938. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, adding deep significance to the event. 🇨🇳
The ceremony opened with a moment of silence, followed by the laying of wreaths at the Memorial Hall. Survivors’ family members, veterans and local officials paid tribute to the victims, sharing personal stories that underscored the importance of remembrance. 🕯️
Introduced in 2014, the annual memorial day encourages young people to learn about history and foster a commitment to peace. Across the Chinese mainland and beyond, museums and schools have organized exhibitions, seminars and art installations—reminders that understanding the past is key to building a more harmonious future. 📚✨
As attendees reflected on the gravity of past events, organizers reiterated a message of unity and hope: by remembering together, communities can stand against hatred and work toward lasting peace. 🕊️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
