Weifang remembers history and promotes peace

Activities were held at the former site of the Weihsien concentration camp in Weifang, Shandong province on Saturday to mark the 3rd anniversary of the city being designated an International City of Peace. This event aimed to emphasize the importance of remembering history and cherishing peace.

During the period from 1942 to August 1945, the camp was utilized by Japanese forces to detain over 2,000 expatriates, among them more than 300 children, from countries such as the United States, Britain and Canada.

Weihsien, also spelled as Weixian, is the former name of urban Weifang.

"In these times of worldwide instability, International Cities of Peace are more important than ever--- the necessary ambassadors to moderate the belligerent ambitions of so few," Leopold Pander said in a letter to the commemorative activities.

Pander is a Weihsien camp survivor, and he was four when the camp was liberated in 1945.

He also conveyed his hope for concerted efforts to foster a peaceful planet for future generations.

A museum was built on the former site of the camp in 2020, where historical materials including kerosene lamps and clocks used by internees are housed.

"We hope that the lesson of the war that put us in the Weihsien concentration camp will make our children and grandchildren work to live lives that will promote peace and not war," Maida Harris Campbell, a Weihsien camp survivor said in a letter to the activities.

The camp was repurposed by the Japanese from a compound known as the Courtyard of the Happy Way which was originally built by Americans in 1882 for use as a church, hospital and school.