Museums present history as mirror

More than 100 museums and memorial halls in China are commemorating the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression with special displays now open to the public. The huge number of historical records, cultural relics and pictures on display not only show how ruthless the Japanese invaders were, but also provide irrefutable evidence which Japanese right-wingers cannot deny.

Moreover, as a very important part of China's patriotic education, these public facilities also tell people that heeding the lessons of history is key to preserving world peace.

In general, the displays in the museums and memorial halls are from two periods of China's modern history - the period when foreign invaders caused endless misery to the country and the time when Chinese people finally emerged victorious in their resistance.

The history of the nation's sufferings reminds visitors that a weak nation cannot protect its people's lives, while the history of resistance highlights Chinese people's heroic fight against foreign aggression and promotes national pride. More such exhibitions should be held to boost the national spirit and promote patriotism among the Chinese people.

Zhu Chengshan is curator of China's Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.