On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, staff from the Memorial Hall and the Nanjing Aid Association for the Victims of Japanese Atrocities visited survivors of the Nanjing Massacre, providing monetary support, gifts, and heartfelt holiday greetings. Wishing them happiness, health, and longevity in their later years!

Survivor Xiong Shulan: “The beautiful life in my rhymes has become a reality”

On the afternoon of September 12, Cao Yuli, Vice President of the Nanjing Aid Association for the Victims of Japanese Atrocities and daughter of Nanjing Massacre survivors, along with representatives from the Memorial Hall and Zijin Cao volunteers, visited 93-year-old survivor Xiong Shulan at the Nanhu Elderly Care Center. September 14 marked Grandma Xiong’s 93rd birthday, and the team brought flowers and a cake to celebrate her special day in advance. As a senior member of the Communist Party of China, Xiong had been an active participant in the local Party branch before retiring. She is known for her talent in performing kuaiban (bamboo clapper talk) and fondly recited: “clear water flowing by the bridge, elders exercising with good health; big kids skating with energy, little ones playing and laughing; streetlights brightening at night, colorful lights shining beautifully”. Xiong remarked that the life she described in her rhymes has now become a reality—something she could never have imagined during the fall of Nanjing, when her family was torn apart. “I am so touched that you came to visit me in this hot weather. I sincerely thank our Party, our government, and the Memorial Hall for caring about me!” she said.

Survivor Wu Xiuying: “The younger generation should study diligently and serve the nation in the future”

Later that afternoon, staff from the Memorial Hall and Zijin Cao volunteers visited 91-year-old survivor Wu Xiuying to deliver Mid-Autumn Festival wishes. Wu was overjoyed to see them, warmly chatting about her life. Reflecting on her past, she recalled the indiscriminate bombings of Nanjing by the Japanese invaders and how her father was forced into hard labor, suffering beatings for the smallest delay in his work. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, her family’s life improved day by day. Now, Wu enjoys life with four generations of her family. She encouraged the younger generation to study diligently and work hard so that they can contribute to the nation in the future.

Survivor Wang Zihua: “Only when the nation prospers can families live in peace”

Also on the afternoon of September 12, staff from the Memorial Hall and Zijin Cao volunteers visited 92-year-old survivor Wang Zihua. In 1937, Wang was only five years old when he was shot in the arm by Japanese soldiers. To this day, he vividly recalls how his father carried him, crying out: “Help! Help!” not only because his son was wounded, but also because they encountered countless corpses along the way. Due to inadequate medical care at the time, Wang’s arm never fully healed, causing pain during rainy weather. Now at 92, though facing some mobility issues, Wang remains an avid fan of Peking opera and newspapers, closely following the nation’s development. “There can be no home without a country. Only when the nation is strong can families live in peace,” he reflected.

Survivor Ai Yiying: “The happiness I have now was unimaginable in the past”

On the afternoon of September 13, staff from the Memorial Hall and Zijin Cao volunteers visited 96-year-old survivor Ai Yiying. Ai was delighted to see them and remarked, “The happiness I have now was unimaginable in the past. The Memorial Hall and the Aid Association are always thinking of me. My children are also very filial, frequently visiting me.” Despite her advanced age, Ai still enjoys going out to buy groceries and cooking for herself, leading a contented life.

Survivor Cen Honggui: “I wish you all good health and happiness”

Also on the afternoon of September 13, Vice President Qian Yi of the Nanjing Aid Association for the Victims of Japanese Atrocities, along with representatives from the Memorial Hall and students from the North Star Journalism Group of the Jinling Primary School Experimental Class, including Qian Xinnuo, Luan Xiyue, Cen Qingyan, Tang Haozhe, braved the heavy rain to visit survivor Cen Honggui. Cen was pleasantly surprised, remarking that he didn’t expect them to come in such weather. Qian Yi responded, “We are here, rain or shine, because we carry everyone's trust.” Student Qian Xinnuo presented Cen with a handmade sachet for peace and protection, while the other students gifted him handcrafted lacquered fans. Cen was deeply moved and repeatedly expressed his gratitude to the Memorial Hall and the Aid Association for their continued care. He also asked the staff to convey his best wishes to all those who care about him: “I wish you all good health and happiness.”

Survivor Chen Deshou: “The Memorial Hall always remembers me during the holidays, and I feel very warm”

On the morning of September 14, Vice President Qin Minqun of the Nanjing Aid Association for the Victims of Japanese Atrocities, along with representatives from the Memorial Hall, visited 92-year-old survivor Chen Deshou. Chen shared memories of the tragic experiences his family endured during the Nanjing Massacre. Despite declining vision and hearing, Chen is cared for by his son and daughter. His son buys groceries daily, while his daughter accompanies him to the hospital for his medical needs. “I am very grateful to the Memorial Hall for always thinking of me and visiting me during the holidays. It makes me feel very warm,” Chen said.