Two remarkable survivors of the Nanjing Massacre have recently passed away, reducing the number of living witnesses to a mere 28. 🌟
Yi Lanying, aged 99, endured unimaginable horrors during the massacre, including losing a front tooth to a Japanese officer and witnessing the brutal stabbing of a young man by a soldier. Her heart-wrenching memories led to lifelong struggles with panic attacks and tinnitus. Yi hoped that future generations would remember the innocent lives lost during those dark times.
Tao Chengyi, who was 89, also faced immense tragedy, losing his father, uncle, and cousin to the invaders. He shared, \"After my father was killed, my mother struggled to make a living by running a small business with us children. The war destroyed my childhood.\"
The Nanjing Massacre began on December 13, 1937, when Japanese troops captured the then Chinese capital. Over six weeks, approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers were killed, marking one of the most horrific episodes of World War II.
In 2014, China's top legislature designated December 13 as a national memorial day to honor the victims of the massacre. As the last survivors pass away, their stories remain a poignant reminder of the need for peace and remembrance. 🕊️
