In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the passing of Zhang Chunru, the American Hanlin Education Foundation has announced a writing competition titled “Zhang Chunru in Our Lives.” This initiative, aimed at honoring the esteemed historian and author of “The Rape of Nanking,” reflects on her enduring legacy.
At a recent press conference, Li Jingfen, the Chairperson of the American Hanlin Education Foundation, shared that the Youth Division of the foundation is spearheading the event. They have partnered with several organizations, including the Society for the Preservation of Historical Facts of the Anti-Japanese War, the Zhang Chunru Memorial Park, the Little Red Flower Art Institute, and the American Alumni Association of Xi’an University of Technology. The Zhang Chunru Foundation will serve as a sponsor for the competition.
During the event, speakers included Gao Song, the head of the Youth Division, Li Ling, President of the Society for the Preservation of Historical Facts of the Anti-Japanese War, Zhang Chunru’s mother Zhang Yingying, Duan Zhao-nan from the Little Red Flower Art Institute, and Chen Jian from the American Alumni Association of Xi’an University of Technology.
Li Jingfen emphasized, “Even though Zhang Chunru has been gone for 20 years, she remains in our hearts. She symbolizes justice and righteousness, proving that one person’s efforts can indeed create a significant impact. Today, we gather here to honor her memory, hoping that the next generation will embrace her spirit of truth-seeking and advocate against societal injustices, ensuring that they can enjoy peace in their lives.”
Duan Zhao-nan added that the theme “Zhang Chunru Forever Among Us” underscores the importance of historical narratives marked by cultural significance. Telling Zhang Chunru’s story is a modern interpretation of history, culture, and dignity.
Zhang Chunru tragically passed away in 2004 while researching her fourth book on U.S. military actions in the Philippines during World War II. Due to severe insomnia, she suffered from major depression and was found deceased in her car on November 9 of that year.
The press conference highlighted Zhang Chunru’s tireless efforts to bring the truth of the Nanjing Massacre to the Western public through her English writings. At a conference in San Francisco commemorating the 50th anniversary of the “Treaty of San Francisco,” she was the first to take the stage, delivering a powerful 15-minute speech that informed the world about the atrocities that took place in Nanjing. Her book, “The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II,” created a significant impact upon its release in the U.S.
In 1997, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, Zhang uncovered primary source material, including the “Rabe Diary,” which was published in Nanjing. Her works, including “The Nanjing Massacre: A Forgotten Catastrophe of World War II,” were recognized as groundbreaking studies on the massacre, with Harvard University’s History Department chair William Kirby deeming “The Rape of Nanking” the first comprehensive English study of the event.
The Youth Division of the Hanlin Education Foundation has announced the competition categories: one, visual art; two, writing (poetry, fiction, essays, scripts); and three, short videos. The competition aims to deepen young people’s understanding of modern history, instill a sense of national dignity, and enrich their social lives through the examination of justice in Zhang Chunru’s scholarly work.
Submissions will be accepted from October 1 to November 1. Entries can be sent to 7258 Bark Lane, San Jose, CA 95129, or via email at [email protected].
