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Foreign concentration camp survivors gather after six decades

Sixty years ago, 1,500 foreign nationals were imprisoned by Japanese troops during World War II in Weixian concentration camp in east China's Shandong Province. On August 17, 67 survivors and their family members from the United States, Britain and Canada, etc. gathered in Shandong's Weifang city in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Japanese concentration camp at the original site of the camp in which they were imprisoned.

When detained here by Japanese troops, most of them were still children about 10 years old. Today, back to the original site of the concentration camp, many of them cannot help burst into tears, holding each other in arms at the sight of their familiar buildings.

The present Weifang No. 2 Middle School and the Weifang People's Hospital are previously the Weixian concentration camp. After the breakout of the Pacific War, Japan built the concentration camp in retaliation of the restriction imposed by the United States on Japanese Americans' activities in the country.

at the church in order to retaliate the activities that the United States restrained American Japanese from activities in the United States. 2,008 foreigners were held prisoners in the camp during the World War II, most of whom European and American nationals, including 327 children. Later 500 were released due to the exchanges of prisoners of war.

The camp prisoners won sympathy and support from local peasants and the troops fighting against the Japanese aggression. Local people helped the majority of the prisoners through the years of imprisonment. The camp was liberated on August 17, 1945.

The aged people who experienced wars and hardship were excited in front of the familiar scenes and the precious historical photos. Some of the imprisoned nationals have become well-known personages in the political and commercial circles in their native countries. Born in the camp, a lady offers scholarship funds to Weifang No. 2 Middle School with her own savings to show her yearning for her birthplace and concerns about education. Mary Previte, member of New Jersey General Assembly, was once imprisoned by the Japanese troops in the camp with her brothers and sister when she was nine years old. She said emotionally, "We, who were detained here, are willing to tell people from our personal experiences: war, hatred and violence can never lead to peace.

By People's Daily Online

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People's Daily Online --- http://english.people.com.cn/

Liberation of Japanese concentration camp marked

A survivor of a Japanese WWII concentration camp tells his grand daughter his sufferings during an activity marking the 60th anniversary of the camp's liberation in Weifang, East China's Shandong Province August 17, 2005. More than 60 survivors took part in the event. Some 2,008 foreigners were held prisoners in the camp during the World War II.
(newsphoto) Updated: 2005-08-17 14:23

Two survivors of a Japanese WWII concentration camp chat during an activity marking the 60th anniversary of the camp's liberation in Weifang, East China's Shandong Province. More than 60 survivors took part in the event. Some 2,008 foreigners were held prisoners in the camp during the World War II.
(newsphoto) Updated: 2005-08-17 14:23

A survivor of a Japanese WWII concentration camp tells of his sufferings during an activity marking the 60th anniversary of the camp's liberation in Weifang, East China's Shandong Province. More than 60 survivors took part in the event. Some 2,008 foreigners were held prisoners in the camp during the World War II.
(newsphoto) Updated: 2005-08-17 14:23

[sic] A survivor of a Japanese WWII concentration camp tells his grand daughter his sufferings during an activity marking the 60th anniversary of the camp's liberation in Weifang, East China's Shandong Province. More than 60 survivors took part in the event. Some 2,008 foreigners were held prisoners in the camp during the World War II.
(newsphoto) Updated: 2005-08-17 14:23