Dai Yudong, Chairman of Wanjing Tourism Holding Group, Delivered an Important Speech
HowToTrip Network, March 2 — Today is the second day of the second lunar month, during the folk festival known as "Dragon Raises Its Head." On this occasion, the first phase of the Japanese Suppression Shrine, constructed by Wanjing Tourism Holding Group to commemorate anti-Japanese martyrs and promote patriotism and national defense spirit, has been announced as successfully completed.
Notable anti-Japanese veterans such as former Deputy Commander of the PLA Engineering Corps General Wu Hong and former Political Department Deputy Director of the PLA Engineering Corps General Cai Chuanyun, among other esteemed elders, attended the event at the China World Hotel in Beijing and presented anti-Japanese calligraphy and paintings to the builders of the Japanese Suppression Shrine. Also present were several dozen entrepreneur representatives from across the country, including Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Federation Honorary President Lai Canxian, Director of the Yu Youren Former
Since the 1980s, Japanese right-wing forces have continuously attempted to challenge the post-World War II international order and revive Japanese militarism by altering textbooks, visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, and making statements that distort and glorify their history of aggression. Especially in recent times, Japanese authorities have wantonly trampled on international justice and conscience, greatly hurting the feelings of the Chinese people and those of other Asian victim nations.
Dai Yudong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wanjing Tourism Holdings Group and once honored as one of "China's Top Ten Figures with the Strongest Sense of Social Responsibility," said: China's War of Resistance against Japan was an important part of the global anti-fascist struggle. However, the ghosts of Japanese invaders still linger. The Yasukuni Shrine in Japan houses the spirit tablets of these aggressors, continuing to summon the souls of war criminals, and is repeatedly visited and worshipped by certain high-level Japanese politicians and right-wing elements. This has caused great anger among the Chinese people and people across Southeast Asia. Yet, while expressing our indignation, we must not forget all the anti-Japanese heroes who sacrificed their lives on our soil to drive out the Japanese invaders. These anti-Japanese heroes deserve the respect, remembrance, and reverence of the Chinese nation and the people of related countries. We should build them an eternal "home"—regardless of nationality, political affiliation, or gender, anyone who stood up for justice and made the ultimate sacrifice in the War of Resistance should be honored with incense to comfort their spirits.
Dai Yudong said: "As descendants of the Chinese nation who have suffered under Japanese militarism, we have the duty to build the Zhenwo Shrine, and to build it to high standards. This Zhenwo Shrine commemorates not only the Chinese soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives but also all the American, Soviet (former Soviet soldiers), British, Korean (soldiers from the Korean Peninsula, including present-day North and South Korea), and other heroes from various countries and regions who died resisting Japanese aggression." "We are not building the Zhenwo Shrine to incite hostility between China and Japan or worsen relations between other countries and Japan, but to face history squarely, correct historical narratives, comfort the martyrs, enlighten future generations, and warn them never to forget history and to cherish peace."
It is reported that the Zhenwo Shrine, built by Wanjing Group over two years with massive investment, is located on Bagong Mountain in Shou County, Anhui—a place of stunning scenery and the historic site of the famous Battle of Feishui in Chinese history. Building the "Zhenwo Shrine" here symbolizes that justice will prevail and that the lessons of history must not be forgotten.
Currently, the first phase of the project has been completed, including the "Chinese Shrine," "American Shrine," "Soviet Shrine," "British Shrine," "Korean Shrine," and shrines for other related countries and regions, all of which have been constructed. Detailed work such as preparing accurate lists of spirit tablets and setting up incense altars is underway. Within the Zhenwo Shrine compound, life-sized iron statues of Japan’s 14 Class-A war criminals have been cast, kneeling in eternal apology toward the anti-Japanese martyrs as a message to the world.
Zhao Guofu, Taoist priest of Baiyun Temple, Lau Chan-yin, President of the Asia Taiwan Chambers of Commerce Federation, Song Shuangyin, Chairman of Guanghe Investment Co., Ltd., Cui Lianguo, Chairman of Jiutai Energy Group, and Dai Yudong jointly activated the touch ball for the "Zhenwo Shrine Series of Events." Entrepreneurs, anti-Japanese veterans
It has been reported that the Shrine to Suppress the Japanese Invaders will officially open to the public for free on September 3, 2014. Peace-loving individuals and those who honor martyrs from around the world are welcome to pay tribute to the anti-Japanese heroes. Each hall in the Shrine houses memorial plaques for national heroes who fought against Japanese invaders, allowing for both collective and individual worship. All visitors coming from afar to pay homage to the heroes will be granted free entry to the shrine and will receive commemorative medals and souvenirs.
At the meeting, Dai Yudong solemnly stated that the Shrine to Suppress the Japanese Invaders has not been authorized by any political group or individual, nor has it followed anyone’s directive—it is entirely a spontaneous initiative by entrepreneurs and private enterprises.
The second phase of the Shrine to Suppress the Japanese Invaders will commence construction before the end of this year, with a total investment of approximately 26 million yuan. The main components include a hall enshrining the spirit tablets of all national heroes throughout Chinese history, as well as other supporting facilities. It is expected to be completed and put into use by next September.