This morning, the Jiangsu Session of the 2025 “Roots-Seeking Journey in China” Overseas Chinese Youth Summer Camp, sponsored by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC) and organized by the Federation of Jiangsu Returned Overseas Chinese, visited the Memorial Hall. More than 200 overseas Chinese teachers and students from 10 countries and regions returned to their ancestral homeland to “seek their roots” and jointly reflect on the unforgettable history of the Nanjing Massacre.

Joint Initiative by Overseas Chinese Teachers and Students:

Remember History and Cherish Peace

The Memorial Hall serves as an important stop on the summer camp itinerary. Overseas Chinese teachers and students gathered at the Public Memorial Square, observed a moment of silence and laid flowers in tribute to the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. Ai Hui, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Jiangsu Returned Overseas Chinese, Zhou Feng, Director of the Memorial Hall, were among those who attended the ceremony.

Shen Xinyi, a camp participant from Spain, solemnly read the “Remember History and Cherish Peace” Initiative on behalf of the participants.

Joint Initiative by Overseas Chinese Teachers and Students:

People of Chinese descent around the world share the same ancestry and are bound by common bloodlines. As descendants of Yan Emperor and Yellow Emperor (two legendary rulers in remote antiquity), a commitment to peace is an inherent quality of the Chinese people. Let us solemnly commemorate the departed, face the future with a rational understanding of history, and together complete this cross-sea journey of cultural roots-seeking and historical dialogue. We must remember history and cherish peace, striving with our utmost efforts to let the flowers of friendship bloom across the world, and jointly contribute to the friendly exchanges among the peoples of all nations.

The Words Most Frequently Written by the Children Were “History” and “Peace”

The participants gathered at the Mourning Square to solemnly leave their thoughts on the blank spaces of the banner. One by one, their reflections gradually filled the banner, with “Remember History” repeatedly written and the phrase “World Peace” appearing frequently. Each stroke reflected a deep remembrance of history and a sincere wish for peace.

Immersive Learning Experience

The overseas Chinese teachers and students visited the “Nanjing Massacre Exhibit.” Each artifact heavy with memory, each footage capturing moments of agony, and each photograph documenting historical truth, like silent witnesses, brought the history of the Nanjing Massacre vividly before the participants’ eyes.

According to the unified arrangements of the ACFROC, the Jiangsu Session of 2025 “Roots-Seeking Journey in China” Overseas Chinese Youth Summer Camp is held from July to August. During their visits in Jiangsu, the participants will visit sites related to the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, experience traditional Chinese culture, and serve as ambassadors of Chinese culture.