On Wednesday morning, the sound of sirens filled the air in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China\'s Liaoning Province. 🚨 Drivers honked, and pedestrians stood still, pausing to remember a pivotal moment in history—the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident.
Back in 1931, on this very day, the course of China\'s history was altered. Japanese troops blew up a section of railway near Shenyang and blamed it on Chinese forces, using it as an excuse to launch an invasion. That night, barracks near Shenyang were bombarded, marking the beginning of a 14-year struggle against aggression.
Fast forward to today, and the echoes of that fateful day continue to resonate. For 30 years straight, Shenyang has sounded air-raid sirens to remind its citizens—especially the youth—not to forget the past. It all started in 1995 when Hao Songqing, a retired factory worker, suggested this act of remembrance. His idea was simple but profound: let the sirens be a living reminder of history.
At the 9.18 Historical Museum, people gathered at precisely 9:18 a.m. to honor those who suffered and fought. The museum\'s monument, designed by retired professor He Zhongling, is rich with symbolism. \"The skeleton and bone elements represent the martyrs who died in the war,\" He explained. \"Its main body is shaped like a calendar with bullet holes, symbolizing the pain of the war.\"
But it\'s not just about remembering—it\'s about learning and growing. \"Telling history is not to perpetuate hatred, but to remember the truth and give strength to today\'s people,\" said Fan Lihong, the museum\'s curator. 🙌
Just a few kilometers away, at the Beidaying site—the very barracks bombarded in 1931—visitors immerse themselves in history through photos, relics, and interactive exhibits. It\'s a powerful experience, especially for young people eager to connect with their nation\'s past.
🚄 High-speed train driver Gong Zhigang felt the weight of history as he passed near the museum when the sirens sounded. \"At that time, the Japanese built railways on Chinese land to plunder resources and wage war. Today, our high-speed railway is one of the leaders in the world,\" he reflected. \"We have to draw experience and strength from history and pursue a better future.\"
Similar commemorations took place across China. In Nanjing, 500 people gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. The Bell of Peace was rung to mourn the victims and remind everyone to cherish peace. 🕊️
Cities like Haikou and Chengdu also sounded sirens, uniting people in a moment of reflection. The September 18 Incident wasn\'t just a local event—it was a turning point that foreshadowed global conflict and tested the resilience of a nation.
As China\'s youth honor the past, they\'re also looking forward—building bridges, fostering understanding, and promoting peace. After all, remembering history isn\'t about living in the past; it\'s about shaping a better future. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
