“Today's peace was brought with blood,” says 96-year-old Zhang Xiuju, her voice steady yet soft. 💔
Growing up in the shadow of Yimeng Mountain on the Chinese mainland, she was only eight when Japanese invaders stormed her village. She still remembers the fear, the chaos, and the heartbreak as families were torn apart and hope seemed lost.
For Zhang, every peaceful sunrise today is a tribute to those who stood up — the soldiers, the villagers, and every ordinary person who faced unimaginable hardship. Their sacrifices flowed like rivers of hope, shaping the future we live in.
As young people navigating our own fast-paced world — whether you’re hustling at a startup in Bangalore, studying in Jakarta, or creating content in Manila — it’s easy to forget how precious peace really is. Zhang’s story reminds us to pause, reflect, and honor the struggles that paved our way.
In a region rich with its own history of resistance and resilience, remembering Yimeng Mountain’s legacy connects us all. Let’s keep these memories alive and cherish every moment of peace. 🌏🕊️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
