Remember 918—let us strive for self-improvement!
2025-09-18
Today, as the air-raid sirens sound punctually over the city, do you pause for a moment? Those 3 harrowing minutes aren’t just an ordinary warning—they’re a “historical echo” that reverberates across 94 years. On the night of September 18, 1931, a single explosion at Liutiaohu in Shenyang marked the tragic beginning of our nation’s suffering. The Japanese army’s iron boots shattered the quietude of Beidaying Camp, swiftly seizing control of Northeast China within just four months. Thirty million compatriots were reduced to stateless slaves, igniting 14 years of brutal, life-or-death resistance. This day should never remain merely a date boxed off in history books. Some images are etched deep into our national DNA. We often say we must "remember history," but what exactly *is* history? Is it the frostbitten, purple faces of Northeastern villagers fleeing with their meager belongings in old photographs? Or is it General Yang Jingyu, whose stomach contained nothing but tree bark, grass roots, and cotton—yet he continued to fight valiantly against the enemy amidst freezing snow and ice? It’s also the countless unnamed soldiers who fell on the battlefield, clutching the blood-stained national flag in their dying hands. These aren’t cold, lifeless words from textbooks; they are the raw, heart-wrenching realities of苦难 and 挫折 that once unfolded before our eyes. Take, for instance, the Broken Calendar Monument standing proudly in front of the "September 18th" Historical Museum in Shenyang. The numbers "1931.9.18" are visibly "shattered" by artillery fire, serving as a stark reminder to all who pass by: this land has endured unimaginable pain. Yet today, we live in an era free from the roar of war. Supermarkets brim with goods, subways hum with bustling commuters, and city lights illuminate every corner after dark. But precisely because life feels so peaceful now, we must remain vigilant against a "silent crisis"—the danger of forgetting. Even today, certain forces in Japan continue to rewrite history textbooks, attempting to downplay or deny the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre. Meanwhile, Yasukuni Shrine still honors the spirits of Class-A war criminals from World War II. And on the global stage, there are those who still seek to distort the truth about our nation’s past aggression. Remembering isn’t about nurturing hatred—it’s about safeguarding the "truth." For if history is rewritten, the tragedies of the past could easily repeat themselves. If our collective memory grows dim, the sacrifices of our forefathers will lose their meaning altogether. Strengthening ourselves is the greatest tribute we can pay. "To fall behind means to be beaten,"—this harsh lesson left by the September 18 Incident remains our most painful yet powerful reminder. Today, China is no longer the fragile nation it was 94 years ago. From the groundbreaking achievements of "Two Bombs, One Satellite" to the ambitious lunar exploration program "Chang’e," from high-speed railways connecting cities across the country to aircraft carriers sailing far beyond our shores, and from eradicating poverty to making unprecedented strides in science and technology—we’ve proven time and again that the Chinese nation will never again allow itself to be bullied or oppressed. But self-reliance is never just an empty slogan—it’s a daily commitment embedded in the actions of each and every one of us. It’s students studying diligently in classrooms, determined to use knowledge to build a stronger nation. It’s workers striving for excellence in factories, crafting high-quality products that bear the mark of China. It’s scientists pushing forward in laboratories, tackling tough challenges to break through foreign technological barriers. And it’s every Chinese citizen fulfilling their duties at work, contributing to the peace and prosperity we cherish today. Just as our ancestors once stood firm, building an unyielding Great Wall with their own flesh and blood, we too must forge ahead with unwavering determination, ensuring that our nation continues to thrive and grow stronger. Ninety-four years have passed, and though our mountains and rivers remain safe and sound, the alarm bell of history continues to ring loud and clear. May we always remember: There’s no such thing as eternal peace—only those who have bravely carried the weight of history on their shoulders. And there’s no inherent strength—only the relentless pursuit of self-improvement that makes us truly great. Let us honor the legacy of September 18th by resolving to become even stronger!
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