“I was eight when the Japanese invaders came,” says 96-year-old Zhang Xiuju from Yimeng Mountain in the Chinese mainland. Her memories bring to mind scenes from a war film, but this was real life.
Zhang vividly recalls the fear that gripped her village—the day soldiers marched in, the sounds of gunshots, the heart-pounding rush to find safety. For her, peace today wasn’t free; it was paid for with the blood of soldiers and ordinary people alike.
Yimeng Mountain’s history is etched into every ridge and valley. Locals still share stories passed down through generations, building a collective memory that shapes their identity. Zhang’s testimony reminds us that behind every peaceful sunrise, there are stories of courage, loss, and resilience.
Why does this matter to us? In our fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to forget the price of peace. These lessons from the past can guide us today, urging young people to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and to stand up for justice, unity, and hope. 🌟
As we scroll through feeds or watch the latest series, let’s pause and honor the real heroes who laid down their lives for a better tomorrow. After all, every moment of peace we live is a tribute to their sacrifice. 🕊️📚
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
