Thanks to
James Taylor for acquiring this speech, delivered by Party Secretary Zhang
Quanlin at Liberation Day Opening Ceremony, August 17, 1945. The speech was
delivered outdoors near the site of the former Block 23.
Mary
Previte
Speech by Zhang Quanlin,
Party Secretary
Weifang Municipal Committee of the CPC,
at Opening Ceremony of
Liberation Day, August 17, 2005
Distinguished
guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning!
On the occasion on the 60th anniversary
of victory of the world anti-fascist war and Chinese anti-Japanese War, friends
from different places of the world are gathering in Weifang and solemnly
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Weihsien Concentration
Camp. It is of important historical significance and current significance.
Above all I would like to extend hearty welcome on behalf of Weifang municipal
committee of CPC and the People’s Government to the former Weihsieners,
their relatives and friends, domestic and over seas guests and friends of the
press circle.
During the anti-fascist war over 60
years ago, the peace loving people of the world united as one and safeguarded
the dignity of mankind with blood and life and won the peace of the world.
During the war, the Chinese Communist Party led the Chinese People in defeating
the cruel militarist of
After the Pacific War broke out, the
Japanese fascist set up the biggest foreigners’ concentration camp of
There were about 2008 innocent
foreigners including many international public figures such as Mr. Arthur
Hummel, the former
In those years, with adverse
circumstances and no personal freedom, the internees were still keeping a active and optimistic state of mind and cherished the most
glorious aspiration. They thirsted for peace and freedom. They had an active
attitude and took care of each other. The spirit permanently encourages people
in seeking for the happy bright future.
In the hard years the internees got disinterested
assistance and sympathy from the local people and anti-Japanese guerrilla
forces and thus formed profound friendship with Weifang people. Precisely
because of the special emotion we come together again.
The war is a common disaster of mankind.
Our commemoration today is to remember the history well so that treasure the
peace. Let’s go forward hand in hand to brighter future of mankind insisting on
the theme of peace and development
The past six decades have witnessed the
earth-shaking change in Weifang under the leadership of the Chinese Communist
Party. Now Weifang is forging ahead with rapidly developing economy, stable
society and politics toward the goal of prosperous modern city
I sincerely hope during your stay the
guests look around for more understanding on the long history and development
of Weifang. All guests and your relatives and friends are always welcome to come Weifang for tourism, communication and cooperation.
Lastly, wish a full success of the
commemoration!
Wish all the
guests good health and merry heart in Weifang!
Thank you!
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