Why is December 13 observed as a memorial day for victims of the Nanjing Massacre in China?

December 13 is observed as the National Memorial Day for victims of the Nanjing Massacre because it marks the date in 1937 when the Japanese Imperial Army seized the city of Nanjing, China.12

Following this seizure during the Second Sino-Japanese War, soldiers engaged in a campaign of mass killing and rape against Chinese citizens and capitulated soldiers that lasted for approximately six weeks. This event is recognized as one of the most devastating episodes of civilian mass killing in the 20th century.12

In 2014, China’s top legislature officially designated December 13 as a national memorial day to ensure the historical record is preserved and to honor the victims. Commemorations at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders include a national minute of silence, the sounding of sirens, and the flying of flags at half-mast to reflect on this profound tragedy.3