[Explanation] On the eve of the Seventh National Memorial Day, Xiong Shulan, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, said in an interview with reporters that we must not forget the history of suffering, turn grief into strength, and pray for generations to live happily.
[Explanation] Although old, Xiong Shulan has a clear mind, a healthy body, a hearty personality, and a sonorous and powerful speech.
[Concurrent] Xiong Shulan, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre
I am a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre. My name is Xiong Shulan. I was born in 1931. In 1937, when the Japanese invaders came, I was seven years old.
[Explanation] The old man recalled that back then, her family lived at No. 80, Mianhuadi, Nanjing, with parents and sisters.
After the Japanese invaders invaded Nanjing, the family took refuge on a small island in the Yangtze River in a small boat, and hid in a cave when they saw someone coming.
In order not to attract attention, the family shaved Xiong Shulan's head.
[Concurrent] Xiong Shulan, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre
We were dressed in the clothes of boys and we hid when we saw the Japanese (Japanese invaders) coming, like my mother they were going to hide in the burrows (underground bunkers) in the countryside.
(As long as) the Japanese (Japanese invaders) are here again, and some of our "boys" are like "intelligence officers", we go and tell the doormen (family and villagers) that they will hide in the cave (Underground bunker).
[Commentary] Xiong Shulan told reporters that at the time her mother was pregnant for more than 5 months and fell to the ground accidentally to avoid the Japanese invaders, causing a miscarriage.
Later, they learned of a bad news that the uncle who made a living on the bank of the Yangtze River was also slaughtered by the Japanese invaders.
[Concurrent] Xiong Shulan, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre
Later, my father came to the river to see my uncle. My uncle was also quite poor. (He) was killed by the Japanese (Japanese invaders). On which day he was killed, we don’t know. I feel sore (sad) in my heart.
[Explanation] Over the years, Xiong Shulan has insisted on participating in various activities, telling her personal experiences and delivering the voice of peace.
[Concurrent] Xiong Shulan, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre
The past events are over. To turn grief into strength, I hope that young people will work hard and conscientiously at work, and children will study hard. Our current life is so good.
Living happily, I hope that our next generation will make our country stronger.
Reporter Ge Yong from Nanjing, Jiangsu
Editor in charge: [Wang Kai]