Film recalls historical lessons at LA commemoration

When 100-year-old Flying Tigers veteran Mel McMullen took his seat at the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the room fell into a respectful hush. He was among more than 100 guests attending a film reception themed "Remember History, Promote Peace Together", held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The evening combined remembrance and reflection. Guests from art, business and academic circles, as well as Chinese communities and students, watched The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a documentary that sheds light on one of World War II's forgotten tragedies.

In his remarks, Consul General Guo Shaochun reviewed China's long and bitter struggle against Japanese aggression and the shared fight against fascism.

"Eighty years ago, after 14 years of relentless struggle, the Chinese people defeated the brutal Japanese fascist invaders. It was a victory of justice over evil, light over darkness and progress over reaction. This triumph not only changed the course of world history, but also became an enduring part of our shared human memory," Guo said.

He emphasized that the commemoration was not about prolonging grievances but about preserving peace. "The purpose of commemorating this 80th anniversary is not to perpetuate hatred, but to learn from history and defend the legacy of victory," he noted.

Guo reminded the audience that China bore some of the heaviest losses of the war. More than 35 million military and civilian lives were lost, nearly one-third of global wartime casualties, and the country endured enormous economic devastation.

Indelible contribution

"China made an indelible contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and in doing so fundamentally reshaped the spirit and historical course of the Chinese nation," he said.

Guo also highlighted the wartime cooperation between China and the United States, recalling the Flying Tigers commanded by General Claire Chennault. The volunteer pilots crossed the Pacific to aid China, shooting down over 2,600 Japanese aircraft. The Chinese people, in turn, risked their own lives to rescue US airmen.

"We will never forget that China's war of resistance was greatly supported by the peace-loving forces worldwide, including the United States," Guo said. McMullen's presence in the hall was a reminder of that friendship. His son, Tim, later reflected on the film and its lessons.

The screening of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru introduced the audience to a little-known episode of World War II. In October 1942, the Japanese transport ship Lisbon Maru, carrying 1,816 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan, was struck by a US submarine off the coast of Zhejiang province.

Unmarked as a POW vessel, the ship sank after being torpedoed. Japanese guards sealed prisoners below deck, and those who managed to escape were met with gunfire. In all, 828 men drowned. Amid the chaos, local Chinese fishermen risked everything, launching their boats under fire to rescue 384 survivors.

For decades, the story was largely silenced. Japanese authorities denied responsibility, and the suffering of the prisoners remained confined to family memories. The film restores those voices, honoring both the victims and the Chinese villagers who showed courage in the darkest hour.

Tim McMullen said the film left a deep impression, not only because of its vivid retelling of the tragedy, but also because it revealed the human cost of war in a way that statistics alone cannot capture.

"The movie is a very powerful statement. I think it's important that we understand the sacrifices that people make and the tragedy of war," he said.

Another guest, Andre Bartkoviak, praised the documentary for its power and urgency. "We cannot forget history, because history repeats itself," he said.

As the evening came to a close, Guo urged those present to carry forward the spirit of remembrance into action.

"Peace is never a gift but should be safeguarded by generations. Cherishing peace and upholding justice are shared responsibilities of both China and the United States," he said.

renali@chinadailyusa.com