March 3rd was a bright and sunny spring day, perfect weather for remembering and reflecting on history.
Encountering Great Men in a library.
It was a simple and solemn building which, from a distance, resembled a wind-eroded rock in the Gobi Desert. On the red wall facing Huashan Road, the smiling face of Qian Xuesen could be seen gazing forward. It was almost as if he was staring at the “Two bombs, One satellite” missile displayed on the glass curtain wall, the object that created the earth-shattering sound which, more than half a century ago, gave a scarred and weary country the push towards rejuvenation.
Walking through the corridors of history, the students met great individuals from different periods of time: the 18-year-old Qian Xuesen, who was full of vitality and had just been admitted to Shanghai Jiao Tong University; the 25-year-old Dr. Qian, who traveled overseas to study with ambitious aspirations; the unjustly detained Professor Qian, who was desperate to return home; the middle-aged Qian who had endured many hardships and was finally able to return to his homeland; and the smiling academician Qian, with tears of joy in his eyes after the successful launch of China’s first man-made satellite.
Leaving the venue, Qian’s gentle gaze rested on the enduring and thriving era of peace that followed. His smile was like a warm spring breeze, blowing on seeds just planted in the hearts of countless students.
Resonating with history in an old warehouse
In the beautiful, vibrant cityscape by the Suzhou River in Shanghai, the Four Rows Warehouse War Memorial is a testament to history and a monument to the resistance against the Japanese invasion. It tells the heroic story of the “800 Warriors” who fought alone for four days and nights, giving their lives to the fight for resistance.
The walls are scarred by bullet holes, the displayed news reports full of passionate and fervent words, and the names of the martyrs, forever immortalized in history, all carrying the echoes of the bygone era. These all resonated with the students who wandered among them. Present-day peace and prosperity were built on the backs of those who suffered for this freedom. “Every inch of the mountains and rivers was soaked in blood; every clump of earth contained a soul.” Only by not forgetting history can one move forward and build a positive future.
Through visiting the Qian Xuesen Library and the Four Rows Warehouse, students had a greater understanding and appreciation for these historical times. While walking and exploring, students experienced the patriotic and hardworking spirit of Mr. Qian Xuesen. They reflected on their own patriotism and their dreams for the future. After this activity, students created posters as a way of expressing their own thoughts and ideas.
Qian Xuesen was a great scientist who loved his country. He gave up the superior conditions of the United States and his comfortable life to return to the embrace of his motherland, China, with dust and dirt on his clothes. He devoted all his efforts to the country’s aerospace industry, opened a new path for China’s aerospace industry, and left a profound impact. His selfless dedication to his country is both moving and worthy of our attention.
— Rena Wang, G7
We entered a small room of just a few square meters, with simple tables and chairs, dim lights, numerous books and manuscripts. This was the study of scientist Qian Xuesen. For countless days and nights, Qian worked diligently under the light, buried in research and writing.
Standing outside the window, looking through the glass, I seemed to see Qian’s figure and the radiance emanating from him. I felt his burning patriotism, rigorous and practical research spirit, and selfless and noble character. Mr. Qian Xuesen will always be remembered in our hearts.
— Abby Li, G7
Upon getting out of the car, we immediately realized that we were standing right in front of the wall of the Si Hang Warehouse – a sight shocking to our eyes. The bullet holes on the wall still seemed to give off the smell of gunpowder. Now, the place was full of the fragrance of flowers and the chirping of birds, making it hard to imagine that it was once a battlefield. As we entered the exhibition hall, the wax figures and photos served as a constant reminder for us to “never forget national humiliation,” to not lose ourselves in comfortable living, and to not forget the passion and sacrifice of the soldiers.
— John Wang, G7
“Compatriots of China! There is a crisis in Pingjin! There is a crisis in North China! There is a crisis across our Chinese nation! Only the whole nation can resist, and it is our way out!”
This opening statement, heard upon entering the museum, quickly brought us into that era of war and chaos.
As we looked at the war reports, official documents, simulated battlefields, and the adventures of young scouts, we couldn’t help but be impressed and wonder, “What if it was I, what if was we, as young people at that time, that had risen up to resist, to be fearless and be brave?
Suppressing the shock in our hearts, we continued to walk until we came to a wall covered with the names of the soldiers who fought. Those names and deeds were more impressive than any war report.
Thinking back to the previous question, I firmly believe that I, we, and all Chinese children, would have risen up and fought because of the red flag and the unwavering faith of the 800 brave soldiers.
Finally, as we exited the museum and looked back at the scarred building, it was a reminder of the significance of reviewing history: to remember the past, to cherish the present, and to provide a warning for the future.
Never forget history. Let’s work together to build peace!
——Anna Zhao, G7