At our Memorial Hall, a group of Zijin Grass volunteers recount unforgettable memories, recite poems from the War of Resistance, and play soul-soothing melodies... This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. These volunteers have closely linked the spirit of Lei Feng with their sense of historical responsibility. Today, on Lei Feng Memorial Day, we turn our lens toward these volunteers.

International Volunteers: Sharing Nanjing's Story

In the "Humanitarian Relief" section of the exhibit hall, Fernando from Spain read excerpts from The Diaries of Wilson. He is currently studying at the College of Overseas Education of Nanjing Tech University, and this is his first time volunteering at the Memorial Hall.

Fernando

Fernando wrote in the comment book: “Only humans can create the most beautiful things, yet they can also destroy them through war. Humans are capable of both great good and great evil. The only way to protect life and dignity is to learn from history and respect it, ensuring that war never happens again.”

In front of the statue of John Rabe, 19-year-old Liu Baoyu from Thailand read excerpts from The Diaries of John Rabe. She arrived in China six months ago for her studies and was already familiar with the Nanjing Massacre before coming.

Liu Baoyu said: “This history is not only a trauma for China but a sorrow for all humanity. As an international volunteer, I hope my narration can serve as a bridge of communication among people around the world, helping them to recognize the value of peace and reflect on the cruelty of war.”

In the audience rest area of theHistorical Materials Exhibit Hall, Zhao Manyan from Bangladesh recited the poem Zijin Grass for visitors.

Zhao Manyan (second from left)

Zhao Manyan said: “During World War II, my homeland also suffered from the ravages of war. I deeply empathize with the suffering endured by the Chinese people. It is an honor to volunteer at the Memorial Hall, as it represents a cross-border resonance of history and emotional exchange.”

Fang Yijing, a 22-year-old Malaysian of Chinese descent, has heard about the history of the Nanjing Massacre from her parents since childhood. This history is deeply etched in her heart.

Fang Yijing said: “I have always longed to visit Nanjing and uncover the historical truth. This sentiment drove me to come here and express my respect for history and remembrance of the victims through action. I hope that by sharing these stories, more people will come to understand Nanjing and this chapter of history.”

Pulonna, a 19-year-old girl from Thailand, hopes to share what she has seen and heard while volunteering at the Memorial Hall with others back home.

Pulonna wrote in the comment book: “Remember the lessons of the Nanjing Massacre to prevent the tragedy of war from ever happening again.”

Student Volunteers: Protecting History with Youthful Strength

Wang Xinran from NanJing XiaoZhuang University is the leader of an oral guide volunteer team. She leads her classmates to provide voluntary services at the Memorial Hall almost every week.

Wang Xinran said: “Many of the exhibits in the Memorial Hall bear witness to China’s significant contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Volunteers are not only storytellers of history but also guardians of historical truth and advocates for peace.”

The oral guide volunteer team from NanJing XiaoZhuang University is the first volunteer team established after the Memorial Hall was founded, serving continuously for over 30 years. Through their youthful efforts, they protect history and demonstrate the responsibility of the younger generation.

Today, Li Junshang, a freshman from Nanjing University of the Arts, volunteered at the Memorial Hall for the first time.

With a deep interest in history, Li Junshang immediately signed up when he saw the volunteer recruitment notice.

Li Junshang said: “Seeing the audience’s serious attention in the exhibit hall, especially the curious eyes of the children, I realized how important it is to pass on history. My major is Art and Technology, and in the future, I hope to use my skills to contribute, such as by creating historical posters and factual videos.”

Historical Memory Inheritors: Sharing Family Stories

Today marks the first anniversary of the passing of Nanjing Massacre survivor Chen Guixiang. This morning, her great-grandson Jiang Bingkun shared her personal story and their family’s efforts to preserve historical memory with new volunteers.

The spirit and memory of Chen Guixiang live on through Jiang Bingkun. Since becoming a “Nanjing Massacre Historical Memory Inheritor” during last year's Double Ninth Festival, Jiang Bingkun has drawn on his background in broadcasting to participate in many educational events at the Memorial.

Jiang Bingkun said: “As a descendant of a Nanjing Massacre survivor, I have a responsibility to defend this history. This is a tribute to my loved ones and to the 300,000 compatriots who perished.”

Passing the Torch: The Spirit of Lei Feng Lives On

This morning, a volunteer badge-awarding ceremony was held at the Memorial Hall. Volunteer representatives Li Guorong and Fu Yunsheng presented volunteer service badges to the new volunteers.

Fu Yunsheng said: “This badge carries the weight of history. The spirit of Lei Feng is about selfless dedication and generational commitment. Now, many domestic and international volunteers have joined us, this spirit continues to thrive.”

Tian Xinran, a sophomore from NanJing XiaoZhuang University, participated in the oral guide volunteer team for the first time. She hopes to guide the audience closer to history through solemn yet warm storytelling.

Tian Xinran said: “Volunteering is not only about giving, but also about learning. When I serve the audience, just their simple word ‘thank you' can make me understand the meaning of the spirit of Lei Feng.”

After the ceremony, volunteers took their posts. At the exhibit hall entrance, post-2000s volunteers held signs reminding visitors to maintain a respectful atmosphere. At the John Rabe statue, international volunteers recited diary excerpts from historical eyewitnesses. In the Historical Materials Exhibit Hall, new members of the oral guide volunteer team practiced their scripts and learned the visitor flow routes.... Through their actions, they are living embodiments of the spirit of Lei Feng.