Date of letter:1992-07-15
Address of author:Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi
Date of event:1942-04-15(lunar callendar)
Location of event:Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi
Name of author:SUN Changlai
Name(s) of victim(s):SUN Changlai’s relatives and fellow villagers
Type of atrocity:Other Massacres (OM)
Other details:Our village is a typical victim village. On April 15, 1942 (lunar calendar), out of anger from losing the battles, Japanese army sought revenge in our village. They gathered and killed 83 villagers. To remember our fellow villagers, we raised money and built a monument and memorial hall several years ago. As a relative of the victims, I will do my best to claim compensation.
Beijing Research Center on Aging
I have received your last letter and I am deeply touched by the campaign you have initiated to make civilian claims for war reparations. I will do my best to support you in this difficult task.
Our village was the only typical victimized village in our county. On April 15, 1942 (lunar calendar), out of shame and anger from losing battles in the war, Japanese army sought revenge in our village. They gathered 83 innocent and unarmed young and middle-aged male villagers and killed them. This debt of blood had been carved into our memories. Everyone in our village could still recall it vividly. To pay tribute to the victims, we raised money and built a monument and a memorial hall several years ago, in hopes that they would always be remembered and that they would inspire our patriotic spirits.
I am a relative of the victims. I am willing to be a promoter of the compensation claim campaign and do whatever I can to have the blood debt compensated. (SUN Changlai, 68-year-old peasant, Chenyan Village, Wanrong County, Shanxi, 044203). Now with this letter, I have attached a form signed by relatives of the victims. We are looking forward to your guidance and help.
Sincerely,
Sun Changlai
July 15
