Remembering the Tragedy: The 11th International Memorial Day for ‘Comfort Women

On Monday, the world marked the 11th International Memorial Day for the “Comfort Women.” This term has, over the years, become synonymous with the painful memory of those women who were subjected to forced sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II. Such an event in history serves as a grim reminder of the horrors of war and the injustices that innocent civilians face during conflicts.

From 1931 to 1945, over 200,000 Chinese women suffered brutalities under this system. Their lives were marked by unimaginable pain and suffering. Fast forward to today, fewer than 20 of these survivors remain in the Chinese mainland, each a living testament to the atrocities committed.

Origins and Execution of the “Comfort Women” System

This dark chapter in history was not a random occurrence. The “comfort women” system was a meticulously organized and calculated action initiated and orchestrated by the then Japanese militarist government during World War II. It was the Japanese troops who carried out this grim agenda.

The suffering wasn’t limited to just Chinese women. The victims of the “comfort women” system came from varied ethnic backgrounds, countries, and regions. Approximately 400,000 Asian women from diverse areas like China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, and even far-off places in European and American countries were forcibly conscripted into this heinous system.

Eyewitness Accounts and Their Stories

Such memories are vital, for they provide us with first-hand accounts of history, the chilling details, and the emotional implications of events. A video, recently released by the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders on its Sina Weibo platform, features a Chinese “comfort woman” survivor who recalls her traumatic experience. She speaks of the fear, the horror, and the feeling of helplessness she felt while being imprisoned by the Japanese invaders. Her narrative serves as a stark reminder of the deeply personal and profound impacts of large-scale wartime atrocities.

Across the digital space, many netizens have joined the conversation, leaving messages to remind the world of the importance of such memorial days. The stories of the “comfort women” have evoked strong sentiments among the online community. Many stress the significance of remembering the past, not as a means to perpetuate hatred or animosity but as a tool to ensure such horrors are never repeated.

One particularly poignant message from a netizen read: “History will not fade with the passage of time, and facts won’t vanish amidst eloquent denials. Revisiting history isn’t about perpetuating pain and hatred; it’s about ensuring that peace endures and justice prevails.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of such memorials – they are not about vengeance but about understanding, compassion, and ensuring a just and peaceful future. Another netizen poetically expressed, “War is like a mirror, reflecting the dire consequences of conflict and making us understand the invaluable nature of peace.”

South Korea’s Connection and Continuation of Memory

The painful memories of the “comfort women” system resonate deeply with South Korea. With only nine survivors left, following the passing of one survivor in May, the pain remains fresh. These survivors, all now in their 90s, are a living testament to the brutality they faced.

Despite the dwindling number of survivors, the South Korean people are determined to keep the memories alive. On August 14, 2022, which was designated as the International Memorial Day for “Comfort Women” by the 11th Asian Alliance Conference for “Comfort Women” in 2012, a significant event took place in Seoul. South Koreans took to the streets in a peaceful protest rally, showcasing portraits of the “comfort women” alongside their harrowing testimonies. The public display was not just a tribute to the survivors but also a message to the world. It was a plea for remembrance, understanding, and the collective hope for a world where such atrocities remain firmly in the annals of history, never to be repeated.

In Conclusion

The International Memorial Day for the “Comfort Women” isn’t just a day of remembrance for the victims and the survivors. It’s a day for all of humanity to reflect upon the atrocities of the past and vow never to let them happen again. The stories of the “comfort women” are a stark reminder of the depths to which humanity can sink during times of conflict.

As we remember the pain and suffering of these women, it’s essential to move forward with an awareness that will prevent history from repeating itself. By honoring their memory, the world can strive to ensure that peace, justice, and compassion always prevail over hatred, cruelty, and ignorance.

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