Today, the British Embassy in China released a Weibo post ——
In 1942, a Japanese freighter carrying over 1800 British prisoners of war was torpedoed by the US Navy (which was unaware that the ship carried POWs) off the coast of Zhejiang Province, resulting in hundreds of drownings. However, more than 380 people were rescued by Chinese fishermen near Dongji Island in the Zhoushan Archipelago. In 2023, director Fang Li's documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" brought this story to the big screen for the first time.
Last month, families of British survivors came to Zhoushan to meet with relatives of the fishermen who risked their lives to save them and witnessed the unveiling of a new monument. Representatives from the British Embassy in China and the British Consulate General in Shanghai attended the unveiling ceremony alongside Chinese government officials.
This monument pays tribute to the extraordinary courage of the Chinese fishermen and serves as a testament to their selfless dedication and compassion. It is a monument面向 history and a lighthouse面向 future, symbolizing the friendship between the peoples of the UK and China.
Defence Attache and Air Commodore Dom Stamp laid a wreath on behalf of the British Armed Forces and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Dongji Island and the families of the fishermen.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the story of the "Lisbon Maru" powerfully reminds us that we should always be grateful for the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians for our freedom. This debt of gratitude can never truly be repaid, but it must always be remembered. They fought for justice, lasting peace, and a better world. This is also a cause to which we all should recommit ourselves.
The inscription on the monument reads: "Great love knows no bounds; the seas and mountains will forever preserve its fragrance."
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833812967524364/
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