In 1937, a group of brave international patriots stepped forward and risked their lives saving countless lives. Eighty-four years have passed, and the descendants of these international friends still hold Nanjing in their hearts and lit candles in memory of those who died. In the candlelight, we saw their determination and will to remember history and maintain peace.

Chris Magee, left, with his adopted Chinese daughter

He is the grandson of John Magee, president of the Nanjing Chapter of the International Red Cross during the Nanjing Massacre and a member of the International Committee for the Nanjing Safety Zone. "84 years ago during the war, my grandfather chose to stay in Nanjing to help many Chinese refugees. He also risked his life to record the Nanjing Massacre with his film camera. My grandfather left a legacy of films to help others understand the cruelty of war. His humanitarian spirit and fearless deeds have inspired my family for generations. I hope that all of us will never forget to help each other during the most difficult times, and always cherish long lasting peace. "

Elizabeth Wilson Hissing

Marjorie Wilson Massey Garrett

Holding candles in the above pictures are daughters of Robert Wilson, the only surgeon at the Drum Tower Hospital during the Nanjing Massacre. We received an email from his daughter: "I have been thinking of all the wonderful people at Memorial Hall…Our families are doing well as we hope all of the dear friends we have there are also. The Chapel at Arcadia Methodist Hospital is dedicated to Dad and I thought what a perfect place for my candlelight ceremony. Thank you for your dedication for continuing to honor our father and the many others during the Massacre. "

There are Robert Wilson's son and his family. On December 13, they held a candlelight vigil at their home. "Although we can’t be with you in person, we are there in spirit as we remember the victims and survivors of the Nanjing Massacre. It is only by continuing to remember their sacrifices that we can prevent future atrocities." He wrote in an email.

They are the grandson and great-granddaughter of Dr. Richard Brady who stayed at Drum Tower Hospital in Nanjing during the massacre. They were holding white candles to mourn the dead. "We are sending you thoughts of Love and Peace on this day and always." Stephen Brady wrote in an email.

Clifford Morris Trimmer (left) and his wife

He is the grandson of Drum Tower Hospital physician Clifford Trimmer. Dr. Trimmer's descendants held a candlelit ceremony at their home, carrying white candles, Zijin Grass badges and public memorial badges. " Amy and I send our warmest wishes to you and the people of Nanjing," Steven Morris Trimmer wrote in the email, “We are grateful that we have been able to join you for many previous National Memorial Days. With my grandparents having called Nanjing home for nearly 30 years, and my father having been born and raised there, Nanjing and her people hold a special place in our hearts. The resilience that your ancestors showed 84 years ago, and the resilience, kindness and compassion you continue to show today brings us hope for a future of peace and harmony."

Statue of John Rabe, a good man of Nanjing

This photo was sent by Thomas Rabe, grandson of John Rabe, chairman of the International Committee for the Nanjing Safety Zone, ahead of the 2021 memorial ceremony. John Rabe was the lamp-burner in the darkness of winter in 1937, and his descendants were lighting candles to commemorate his act of love that risked life and saved thousands of lives. The Diaries of John Rabe revealed the bloodshed and brutality of the Japanese army and reflected the justice and conscience of mankind. In recent years, the Rabe family has continued its friendship with the city of Nanjing, passing on the kindness, courage and justice that survived the test of life and death 84 years ago.

Robert Fitch

He was Robert Fitch, son of George Fitch, director general of the International Committee for the Nanjing Safety Zone. On December 14, Robert wrote in an email to the Memorial Hall: "In remembrance of all the innocents who were murdered in Nanjing in 1937-1938. My father’s book records some of those horrific times. "

In Japan, there are many Japanese people who have been quietly contributing to the transmission of this history for decades. On the eve of the 2021 memorial, the Memorial Hall sent them a calligraphic scroll titled "Declaration of Peace". After receiving the gift, they expressed their gratitude and hope for peace...

Yamauchi Masayuki and his wife Yamauchi Shizuyo, representatives of the Okunoshima Poison Gas Research Institute wrote: “We thank the Memorial Hall for the Declaration of Peace. It's a wonderful piece of work and we'll hang it at home and treasure it. Kudos to the Director and all staff of the Memorial Hall!"

The Yamauchi couple showed the "Declaration of Peace"

Miyauchi Yoko, representative of Nanjing Heart with Heart Association in Kobe, Japan wrote: "Today I received a souvenir from Nanjing. When I opened it, it was a beautiful calligraphy work. In previous years, when we attended the national memorial ceremony for Nanjing Massacre victims, we still remember the Declaration of Peace recited by teenagers. I didn't write it down at that time, but now I suddenly understand the contents of these four-character poems. The calligraphy is very good and I feel the power of Chinese culture. Thanks to the Memorial Hall, and I will present this work at a recent study session. It is a pity that I have not been able to visit Nanjing for two years in a row. We will look at this painting and think about the issues of China-Japan friendship and world peace.

Nishiyama Katsuo, representative of Japan Institute of War and Medical Sciences wrote: "I have received Sun Xiaoyun's calligraphy scroll 'Declaration of Peace' and I plan to hang it in our institute's office to express my sincere gratitude to the Memorial Hall."

Hirayama Ryohei, co-representative of the National Liaison Committee for the 60th Anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre of Japan wrote, "When I read the section on 'National Awakening, Independence and liberation' from the section on 'Domestic Troubles and Foreign Invasion: The Whole Country Was Destroyed', I felt tears in my eyes. After the Opium War, China was invaded by foreign powers including Japan. Japan only became an independent nation in 1952 after losing the War of Aggression against China and the Pacific War. However, it has been under the control of the United States for a long time and has yet to face the day of national awakening and independence like China. The future of Japan feels like a long road ahead, and Japan must face up to the history of the Nanjing Massacre if it wants to awaken as a nation. Thank you!"

Furukawa Ryuki, Abbot of Seimeizan Schweitzer Temple in Japan wrote: "I was so surprised and moved to receive such a beautiful scroll that I couldn't even find words to express my gratitude. I will hang the scroll in the temple, read the Declaration of Peace word by word, and think about what I can do for China-Japan friendship.

Saito Kazuharu, representative of Japanese History Educators Association, Tsuruta Tsunero, president of Japan-China Friendship Faculty Association of Kagoshima Prefecture, Haga Daisuke, representative of Hatoyama Office, Okado Takako, member of Japanese Zijin Grass Choir, and Yoneyama Hiroshi, member of Japanese History Educators Association also sent mails to express their wishes for peace.