On September 18, the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, held a solemn bell-tolling ceremony to mark the 92nd anniversary of the September 18 Incident. Citizens, officials, and veterans gathered to pay tribute to the victims and martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 14-year war of resistance against Japanese aggression.
At exactly 9:18 a.m., sirens echoed throughout the city as attendees observed a moment of silence. The ceremony commemorated the events of September 18, 1931, when Japanese troops deliberately destroyed a section of the South Manchurian Railway under their control and falsely accused China of sabotage. This act served as a pretext for Japan’s invasion of Shenyang and the subsequent occupation of the entire northeastern region.
The September 18 Incident is widely regarded as the beginning of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and a prelude to the global anti-fascist war. Over the next 14 years, countless Chinese soldiers and civilians fought valiantly against the occupying forces, enduring immense hardships in the struggle for national liberation.
Speaking at the ceremony, local officials emphasized the importance of remembering history to safeguard peace. “The sacrifices made by our forebears must never be forgotten,” one official noted. “It is our collective responsibility to honor their memory and ensure that such tragedies never happen again.”
Across China, similar commemorative events were held to educate younger generations about this pivotal period in the nation’s history. Schools organized special lectures, museums hosted exhibitions, and community groups engaged in discussions about the lasting impacts of the war.
The annual remembrance serves not only as a tribute to those who suffered but also as a reminder of the value of peace and the necessity of vigilance against aggression. As the world faces new challenges, the lessons drawn from the September 18 Incident continue to resonate with people seeking a more harmonious future.
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Live: China commemorates 92nd anniversary of September 18 Incident
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