Victory etched in time
A memorial complex is upgrading its displays for a better understanding of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression on its 80th anniversary, Wang Ru reports in Huaihua, Hunan.
A photo showing Japanese delegates' arrival in Zhijiang in 1945 and a watercolor painting US General Claire Lee Chennault sent to General Xiao Yisu, a Chinese delegate in the Zhijiang surrender, are highlights of the museum hosting relics from the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which is now a big draw among visitors.[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]
"They said the old belongings of the Xiao family were now the country's property. I was deeply moved and motivated by their words," says Wu.
He highlights a watercolor painting Xiao Yisu received from US General Claire Lee Chennault, a pivotal figure in the Flying Tigers' history. Chennault painted it in 1944, when the War of Resistance was approaching its end, on which he portrayed the collaborative efforts of the Chinese and US armies in combating Japanese invasion.
"Xiao Yisu cherished this painting as a precious testimony to the friendship between China and the US and kept it all along. Despite a generous offer to purchase it in the US, the Xiao family refused, choosing instead to donate it to our hall," says Wu.
In similar ways, he has gathered precious color photos of the Zhijiang surrender and the following festive atmosphere in the county from a US veteran. After seven visits to Taiwan and two visits to the US, he successfully gained original videos of the Zhijiang surrender.
Over the years, the complex has gained a collection of more than 10,000 cultural relics that help tell a more vivid story of the past.
The memorial complex receives more than 2 million visits on average each year, says Wu.
His team has organized study tours to the memorial complex to tell students the importance of peace, attracting students from Zhijiang and neighboring cities. "Each year, more than 100,000 students are attracted to participate in our study tours," says Zhang.
Welcoming the 80th anniversary of the victory this year, the memorial complex is upgrading its displays, tourist service center and parking lot to offer visitors a better experience.
"As a memorial complex dedicated to commemorating a significant historical event, we have worked to reveal history through the cultural relics. It is our solemn responsibility to pass on history and spirit encapsulated within them," says Wu.
