In a somber development, two survivors of the Nanjing Massacre have passed away, reducing the number of living registered witnesses to just 28, as reported by the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.
Yi Lanying, aged 99, endured unimaginable horrors during the massacre. She recounted having her front tooth knocked out by a Japanese officer and witnessing the brutal stabbing of a young man who was simply eating breakfast. Additionally, Yi witnessed Japanese soldiers searching homes and abducting over 70 young men. These traumatic experiences left her with deep-seated fears, leading to panic attacks, heart palpitations, and tinnitus. Throughout her life, Yi expressed a heartfelt hope that future generations would never forget the innocent lives lost during those dark times.
Tao Chengyi, who passed away at the age of 89, shared the profound loss he suffered during the massacre. He lost his father, uncle, and cousin to the Japanese invaders. “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,” Tao reflected.
The Nanjing Massacre began on December 13, 1937, when Japanese troops captured the Chinese capital. Over the course of six weeks, it is estimated that approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers were killed, marking one of the most brutal episodes of World War II.
In recognition of the tragedies endured, China’s top legislature designated December 13 as a national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre in 2014, ensuring that the memories of those who suffered are honored and preserved.
