On July 25, the Consulate General of China in Chicago, together with the Illinois State Historical Society, jointly held a series of commemorative events in Secor, the hometown of Ms. Minnie Vautrin, and in Springfield, the capital of Illinois. The events marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and paid tribute to Ms. Minnie Vautrin. Consul General Wang Baodong attended and delivered remarks. Over 100 participants, including local government officials, members of the Historical Society, university faculty and students, and community representatives, took part in the events.

Consul General Wang stated that we gather to remember the tremendous sacrifices made by the Chinese military and civilians during the War of Resistance, and to carry forward the profound friendship forged between China and the United States as they stood side by side and supported each other in the time of hardship. Ms. Minnie Vautrin stepped forward during the Nanjing Massacre to save more than ten thousand women and children, embodying the highest ideals of humanitarianism. Her name is forever etched in the history of China-U.S. friendship. Commemorating the victory is to remember history and cherish peace. Honoring her legacy is to uphold conscience and pass on hope. We must continue to promote the spirit of the War of Resistance, resolve division through unity, address confrontation through cooperation, and advance peace and development through win-win outcomes.