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2015-08-14
President Ma awards citations to honor German businessman John Rabe and American missionary Minnie Vautrin
President Ma Ying-jeou on the morning of August 14 awarded citations to honor German businessman John Rabe and American missionary Minnie Vautrin, which were accepted by their descendants Thomas Rabe and Cindy Vautrin. The citations thank and commend the recipients for their outstanding contributions and moral courage in protecting Chinese nationals against Japanese atrocities during World War II, and also emphasize that the Republic of China will never forget their righteous deeds.
In remarks, the president stated that Thomas Rabe is the grandson of John Rabe, who in 1937 during the Nanjing Massacre established an international safety zone in the city and served as its chairman. That safety zone provided shelter to 250,000 Chinese refugees. He went on to say that Cindy Vautrin is a great-grandniece of American missionary Minnie Vautrin, who represented Ginling College and worked together with John Rabe to provide safe harbor to nearly 10,000 women and children in the safety zone, helping them avoid rape and death at the hands of the Japanese military.
President Ma noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the ROC's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, and Taiwan's retrocession. It was seventy years ago—on the evening of August 14, 1945—that Emperor Hirohito recorded a broadcast message in which Japan unconditionally surrendered, and accepted the Potsdam Proclamation that had been jointly issued by the Allied countries, including the Republic of China, on July 26, 1945. On August 15 the emperor formally announced the end of the Pacific War, thus bringing an end to World War II.
The president said that he is extremely pleased that the descendants of John Rabe and Minnie Vautrin were able to come to Taiwan on this special day to commemorate this important period in history together with the people of the ROC. President Ma stated that he, on behalf of the ROC government, issed these citations to the recipients to once again express the nation's gratitude and admiration for their efforts to protect the lives of 250,000 Chinese nationals 78 years ago.
President Ma noted that the Japanese military occupied Nanjing in 1937, when John Rabe was the chief China representative for the German company Siemens and managing director of its office in Nanjing, and Minnie Vautrin was the dean of education at Ginling College. Robert O. Wilson, a surgeon at Drum Tower Hospital at Ginling College, along with other American and European nationals in Nanjing at the time, jointly established the Nanking International Safety Zone, which protected Chinese from massacre and rape by the Japanese military.
Describing Mr. Rabe's deeds, the president stated that Mr. Rabe, as chairman of the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone at that time, opened his residence to serve as a shelter, housing 600 people. In addition, Mr. Rabe oversaw the operation of the safety zone, which covered 3.8 square kilometers and sheltered 250,000 Chinese. He also single-handedly dealt with the Japanese military, and risked his life while looking down the barrels of Japanese guns to prevent Japanese soldiers from slaughtering and raping Chinese, the president said.
President Ma remarked that during the Nanjing Massacre, Mr. Rabe sent letters to governments of many nations, imploring them to stop the Japanese atrocities. During that period, he continued to document the wanton massacre by the Japanese, and the relevant materials were included in The Good Man of Nanking [English translation, published in 1998; original German title: Der gute Deutsche von Nanking published in 1996], which is a collection of John Rabe's diaries. That book enabled the public to get a full and in-depth understanding of the atrocities of the Japanese military, and the diaries have become one of the most important and detailed historical documents about the Nanjing Massacre. The president pointed out that at the time of the massacre, Mr. Rabe's status as a member of the Nazi Party helped him to forge contacts with the Japanese military, which makes his diaries even more credible.
Then turning to Ms. Vautrin's accomplishments, President Ma said that she managed the Ginling College Safety Zone, which sheltered over 10,000 women and children, helping them avoid rape and massacre at the hands of the Japanese. Ms. Vautrin made every effort to protect the Chinese people, especially women. Although she was even beaten by Japanese soldiers, she still held her ground. This unyielding spirit is especially worthy of respect and admiration, the president stated.
President Ma stressed that Mr. Rabe, Ms. Vautrin, Dr. Wilson, and many other foreigners living in China who were part of the Nanking International Safety Zone movement were, like most foreign residents at that time, businessmen, educators, and doctors. However, most foreigners had left Nanjing to avoid the fighting. Of those that elected to remain in Nanjing and protect the safety of Chinese nationals, quite a few were threatened by the Japanese military, and were attacked or beaten. Nonetheless, this did not sway their conscience and dedication, thus saving the lives of over 250,000 Chinese people. They are most certainly all benefactors of the Republic of China, the president said.
President Ma then pointed out that Thomas Rabe, who was on hand to accept the citation, is carrying on his grandfather's compassionate spirit of humanitarianism. He not only established the John Rabe Communication Centre in Heidelberg to exhibit items bequeathed by his grandfather and welcome students from all over the world to promote international dialogue and understanding, but in 2009 also began bestowing the John Rabe Award each year to promote international peace, the president remarked.
President Ma went on to say that on August 13, while speaking to the ROC's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the press, Thomas Rabe mentioned that understanding history is very important, and that if we don't keep the lessons of history in mind, we will not be able to face up to and accept what happened in the past. The ROC is thus commemorating the 70th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan not to flaunt the fact that we won the war, but to prevent war; not to stir up hatred, but to condemn aggression and pursue peace. This is how we can really distill the lessons of history, and come to understand the essential truth that war is heartless, and peace is priceless.
The president also commented that Germany, Japan, and other Axis nations must face history and reflect deeply on what transpired. Over the past 60 years, Germany has continuously promoted national self-reflection, as well as rectifying and overcoming its errors. Starting in the 1950s after the war, most of the constituent states of Germany established de-nazification mechanisms. Together, they compiled educational materials and began arranging for schoolchildren and youths from the fifth grade and up to tour the sites of Nazi concentration camps. Victims and family members were also invited to schools to speak. Meanwhile, Germany's Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale fur politische bildung), established in 1952 and taking on its current name in 1963, was set up to provide democratic teaching materials over the long term and prevent extremism from re-establishing itself. This wider social movement is called vergangenheitsbewaltigung, which means "coping with, accounting for, and coming to terms with the past." A German chancellor , the president said, was willing to go to a former concentration camp located in Poland, or to Israel and apologize to the public, and kneel and present flowers at monuments commemorating historical events. These efforts have helped to heal the wounds of countries that were victims of German aggression, he said. Another Axis nation has not been as thorough as Germany in this respect, with the president saying, "Perhaps there will be new developments on this front today."
Thomas Rabe then made remarks, saying that he was deeply honored to be able to accept this commendation on behalf of his grandfather on the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance and the 65th anniversary of his grandfather's passing. He mentioned that his grandfather was referred to as the Living Bodisattva of Nanjing during World War II. In 1945, living in hunger and cold because he had been a member of the Nazi Party, John Rabe was able to survive thanks to the charity and donations from the people of Nanjing. John Rabe passed away in 1950, and at that time the world did not know about his humanitarian acts. It was not until the end of the 1990s with the publication of The Good Man of Nanking and the subsequent production of a film that was aired internationally that people became familiar with him, he said.
Cindy Vautrin also made remarks, mentioning that she and family members previously visited Minnie Vautrin's grave in Nanjing, the headstone inscribed with the words "Goddess of Mercy." She said that Minnie Vautrin gave her heart and soul to China and Ginling College, and that she was deeply honored to accept this citation on behalf of her forebearer. She also hopes that the legacy of Minnie Vautrin will be passed down through history.
Also attending the meeting were Mrs. Elisabeta Rabe, wife of Mr. Thomas Rabe; Martin Eberts, Director General of the German Institute in Taipei; Erdal Elver, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Ltd., Taiwan; and Bernd Barkey, Chairman of European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan.
The following is a translation of the presidential citations in their entirety.
Mr. John Rabe, a German national, was a remarkable man by any measure. He is remembered for his strength of character, exceptional courage, and remarkable perseverance. When he fell on hard times following the early demise of his father, he dropped out of school to seek employment, demonstrating dedication and discipline. He traveled to a distant land, arriving in Beijing and later assuming the post of managing director of Siemens's Nanjing office, where he oversaw the installation of local telephone networks and the supply and maintenance of hospital equipment. His diligence and commitment to his job greatly benefited society and produced outstanding results.
The War of Resistance Against Japan took a heavy toll on the Republic of China. Nanjing fell to the Japanese in December 1937, and in the six weeks that followed, Japanese troops pillaged and ransacked the city, causing widespread devastation and suffering. Epitomizing the spirit of humanitarian care, Mr. Rabe opened his home to more than 600 refugees in an act of true nobility. He established the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone with a number of foreign friends. As committee chairman, he designated an international safety zone, set up temporary shelters for refugees, raised funds to provide basic necessities, maintained order through a police force, and protected women. In fact, his invaluable efforts saved the lives of more than 200,000 ROC citizens. The selfless sacrifice and timely assistance of Mr. Rabe is unparalleled in the history of the world. His love and compassion offered a ray of hope for people in the darkest hours of the Nanjing massacre, earning him acclaim as the Living Bodhisattva of Nanjing.
Following his recall by Siemens, Mr. Rabe returned to Germany. He stood firm in the face of adversity without concern for his personal circumstances. Admirably committed and steadfast, he exposed the horrific crimes of the Japanese army through a series of lectures based on his eight diaries. News of this "good Samaritan" spread far and wide across China. Moreover, Mr. Rabe's empathy and kindness won him global recognition and a permanent place in the annals of world history, and his diaries became the main source for Iris Chang's bestselling book The Rape of Nanking: the Forgotten Holocaust of World War II. The ROC government wishes to express its deepest respect and reverence for Mr. Rabe, an international beacon of righteousness. Although he passed away 65 years ago, he remains a moral example to us all.
American missionary Minnie Vautrin was a compassionate, gentle, and highly capable woman. Despite the economic hardship that defined her childhood, her sheer determination to improve her lot in life saw her earn a college degree from the University of Illinois. Soon after, she was sent to proselytize in mainland China, where she was assigned to the San Yu Girls' Middle School in Hefei, Anhui Province, and set about enlightening her charges. Ms. Vautrin later became a faculty member, dean of education, and acting president at Ginling College in Nanjing, where she devoted herself to expounding core academic principles and theories, enhancing the curriculum, initiating basic compulsory education, and providing health checks for the disadvantaged.
When the War of Resistance Against Japan broke out, Japanese troops closed in on and captured Nanjing, beginning what came to be known as the Rape of Nanjing. Enemy soldiers plundered and pillaged the city, and perpetrated widespread rape and murder. Seeing the atrocities unfold and filled with humanitarian concern, Ms. Vautrin wasted no time in turning Ginling College into a refuge that at times harbored up to 10,000 women and children. She did everything she possibly could to prevent the invaders from entering the safe haven that the college campus provided, including helping organize the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone.
That safety zone provided shelter for over 200,000 people, mostly women and children, providing police protection and maintaining order. Ms. Vautrin's unparalleled selflessness and compassion brought relief and offered a glimmer of hope at a particularly dark time in history when it was so very desperately needed. By virtue of her deeds, she came to be known by city residents as the Goddess of Nanjing.
The horrors of war and her tireless work trying to save women and children eventually took their toll on Ms. Vautrin, who returned to the United States after suffering from an anxiety disorder. However, her legacy spread far and wide across China, and the empathy and benevolence that Ms. Vautrin showed to so many people have won her global recognition and a permanent place in our hearts.
The ROC government wishes to express its deepest respect and reverence for Ms. Vautrin, an international symbol of righteousness. Although she passed away 74 years ago, she continues to serve as a moral example to us all.
In remarks, the president stated that Thomas Rabe is the grandson of John Rabe, who in 1937 during the Nanjing Massacre established an international safety zone in the city and served as its chairman. That safety zone provided shelter to 250,000 Chinese refugees. He went on to say that Cindy Vautrin is a great-grandniece of American missionary Minnie Vautrin, who represented Ginling College and worked together with John Rabe to provide safe harbor to nearly 10,000 women and children in the safety zone, helping them avoid rape and death at the hands of the Japanese military.
President Ma noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the ROC's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, and Taiwan's retrocession. It was seventy years ago—on the evening of August 14, 1945—that Emperor Hirohito recorded a broadcast message in which Japan unconditionally surrendered, and accepted the Potsdam Proclamation that had been jointly issued by the Allied countries, including the Republic of China, on July 26, 1945. On August 15 the emperor formally announced the end of the Pacific War, thus bringing an end to World War II.
The president said that he is extremely pleased that the descendants of John Rabe and Minnie Vautrin were able to come to Taiwan on this special day to commemorate this important period in history together with the people of the ROC. President Ma stated that he, on behalf of the ROC government, issed these citations to the recipients to once again express the nation's gratitude and admiration for their efforts to protect the lives of 250,000 Chinese nationals 78 years ago.
President Ma noted that the Japanese military occupied Nanjing in 1937, when John Rabe was the chief China representative for the German company Siemens and managing director of its office in Nanjing, and Minnie Vautrin was the dean of education at Ginling College. Robert O. Wilson, a surgeon at Drum Tower Hospital at Ginling College, along with other American and European nationals in Nanjing at the time, jointly established the Nanking International Safety Zone, which protected Chinese from massacre and rape by the Japanese military.
Describing Mr. Rabe's deeds, the president stated that Mr. Rabe, as chairman of the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone at that time, opened his residence to serve as a shelter, housing 600 people. In addition, Mr. Rabe oversaw the operation of the safety zone, which covered 3.8 square kilometers and sheltered 250,000 Chinese. He also single-handedly dealt with the Japanese military, and risked his life while looking down the barrels of Japanese guns to prevent Japanese soldiers from slaughtering and raping Chinese, the president said.
President Ma remarked that during the Nanjing Massacre, Mr. Rabe sent letters to governments of many nations, imploring them to stop the Japanese atrocities. During that period, he continued to document the wanton massacre by the Japanese, and the relevant materials were included in The Good Man of Nanking [English translation, published in 1998; original German title: Der gute Deutsche von Nanking published in 1996], which is a collection of John Rabe's diaries. That book enabled the public to get a full and in-depth understanding of the atrocities of the Japanese military, and the diaries have become one of the most important and detailed historical documents about the Nanjing Massacre. The president pointed out that at the time of the massacre, Mr. Rabe's status as a member of the Nazi Party helped him to forge contacts with the Japanese military, which makes his diaries even more credible.
Then turning to Ms. Vautrin's accomplishments, President Ma said that she managed the Ginling College Safety Zone, which sheltered over 10,000 women and children, helping them avoid rape and massacre at the hands of the Japanese. Ms. Vautrin made every effort to protect the Chinese people, especially women. Although she was even beaten by Japanese soldiers, she still held her ground. This unyielding spirit is especially worthy of respect and admiration, the president stated.
President Ma stressed that Mr. Rabe, Ms. Vautrin, Dr. Wilson, and many other foreigners living in China who were part of the Nanking International Safety Zone movement were, like most foreign residents at that time, businessmen, educators, and doctors. However, most foreigners had left Nanjing to avoid the fighting. Of those that elected to remain in Nanjing and protect the safety of Chinese nationals, quite a few were threatened by the Japanese military, and were attacked or beaten. Nonetheless, this did not sway their conscience and dedication, thus saving the lives of over 250,000 Chinese people. They are most certainly all benefactors of the Republic of China, the president said.
President Ma then pointed out that Thomas Rabe, who was on hand to accept the citation, is carrying on his grandfather's compassionate spirit of humanitarianism. He not only established the John Rabe Communication Centre in Heidelberg to exhibit items bequeathed by his grandfather and welcome students from all over the world to promote international dialogue and understanding, but in 2009 also began bestowing the John Rabe Award each year to promote international peace, the president remarked.
President Ma went on to say that on August 13, while speaking to the ROC's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the press, Thomas Rabe mentioned that understanding history is very important, and that if we don't keep the lessons of history in mind, we will not be able to face up to and accept what happened in the past. The ROC is thus commemorating the 70th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan not to flaunt the fact that we won the war, but to prevent war; not to stir up hatred, but to condemn aggression and pursue peace. This is how we can really distill the lessons of history, and come to understand the essential truth that war is heartless, and peace is priceless.
The president also commented that Germany, Japan, and other Axis nations must face history and reflect deeply on what transpired. Over the past 60 years, Germany has continuously promoted national self-reflection, as well as rectifying and overcoming its errors. Starting in the 1950s after the war, most of the constituent states of Germany established de-nazification mechanisms. Together, they compiled educational materials and began arranging for schoolchildren and youths from the fifth grade and up to tour the sites of Nazi concentration camps. Victims and family members were also invited to schools to speak. Meanwhile, Germany's Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale fur politische bildung), established in 1952 and taking on its current name in 1963, was set up to provide democratic teaching materials over the long term and prevent extremism from re-establishing itself. This wider social movement is called vergangenheitsbewaltigung, which means "coping with, accounting for, and coming to terms with the past." A German chancellor , the president said, was willing to go to a former concentration camp located in Poland, or to Israel and apologize to the public, and kneel and present flowers at monuments commemorating historical events. These efforts have helped to heal the wounds of countries that were victims of German aggression, he said. Another Axis nation has not been as thorough as Germany in this respect, with the president saying, "Perhaps there will be new developments on this front today."
Thomas Rabe then made remarks, saying that he was deeply honored to be able to accept this commendation on behalf of his grandfather on the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance and the 65th anniversary of his grandfather's passing. He mentioned that his grandfather was referred to as the Living Bodisattva of Nanjing during World War II. In 1945, living in hunger and cold because he had been a member of the Nazi Party, John Rabe was able to survive thanks to the charity and donations from the people of Nanjing. John Rabe passed away in 1950, and at that time the world did not know about his humanitarian acts. It was not until the end of the 1990s with the publication of The Good Man of Nanking and the subsequent production of a film that was aired internationally that people became familiar with him, he said.
Cindy Vautrin also made remarks, mentioning that she and family members previously visited Minnie Vautrin's grave in Nanjing, the headstone inscribed with the words "Goddess of Mercy." She said that Minnie Vautrin gave her heart and soul to China and Ginling College, and that she was deeply honored to accept this citation on behalf of her forebearer. She also hopes that the legacy of Minnie Vautrin will be passed down through history.
Also attending the meeting were Mrs. Elisabeta Rabe, wife of Mr. Thomas Rabe; Martin Eberts, Director General of the German Institute in Taipei; Erdal Elver, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Ltd., Taiwan; and Bernd Barkey, Chairman of European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan.
The following is a translation of the presidential citations in their entirety.
A Tribute to Mr. John Rabe
Mr. John Rabe, a German national, was a remarkable man by any measure. He is remembered for his strength of character, exceptional courage, and remarkable perseverance. When he fell on hard times following the early demise of his father, he dropped out of school to seek employment, demonstrating dedication and discipline. He traveled to a distant land, arriving in Beijing and later assuming the post of managing director of Siemens's Nanjing office, where he oversaw the installation of local telephone networks and the supply and maintenance of hospital equipment. His diligence and commitment to his job greatly benefited society and produced outstanding results.
The War of Resistance Against Japan took a heavy toll on the Republic of China. Nanjing fell to the Japanese in December 1937, and in the six weeks that followed, Japanese troops pillaged and ransacked the city, causing widespread devastation and suffering. Epitomizing the spirit of humanitarian care, Mr. Rabe opened his home to more than 600 refugees in an act of true nobility. He established the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone with a number of foreign friends. As committee chairman, he designated an international safety zone, set up temporary shelters for refugees, raised funds to provide basic necessities, maintained order through a police force, and protected women. In fact, his invaluable efforts saved the lives of more than 200,000 ROC citizens. The selfless sacrifice and timely assistance of Mr. Rabe is unparalleled in the history of the world. His love and compassion offered a ray of hope for people in the darkest hours of the Nanjing massacre, earning him acclaim as the Living Bodhisattva of Nanjing.
Following his recall by Siemens, Mr. Rabe returned to Germany. He stood firm in the face of adversity without concern for his personal circumstances. Admirably committed and steadfast, he exposed the horrific crimes of the Japanese army through a series of lectures based on his eight diaries. News of this "good Samaritan" spread far and wide across China. Moreover, Mr. Rabe's empathy and kindness won him global recognition and a permanent place in the annals of world history, and his diaries became the main source for Iris Chang's bestselling book The Rape of Nanking: the Forgotten Holocaust of World War II. The ROC government wishes to express its deepest respect and reverence for Mr. Rabe, an international beacon of righteousness. Although he passed away 65 years ago, he remains a moral example to us all.
A Tribute to Ms. Wilhelmina (Minnie) Vautrin
American missionary Minnie Vautrin was a compassionate, gentle, and highly capable woman. Despite the economic hardship that defined her childhood, her sheer determination to improve her lot in life saw her earn a college degree from the University of Illinois. Soon after, she was sent to proselytize in mainland China, where she was assigned to the San Yu Girls' Middle School in Hefei, Anhui Province, and set about enlightening her charges. Ms. Vautrin later became a faculty member, dean of education, and acting president at Ginling College in Nanjing, where she devoted herself to expounding core academic principles and theories, enhancing the curriculum, initiating basic compulsory education, and providing health checks for the disadvantaged.
When the War of Resistance Against Japan broke out, Japanese troops closed in on and captured Nanjing, beginning what came to be known as the Rape of Nanjing. Enemy soldiers plundered and pillaged the city, and perpetrated widespread rape and murder. Seeing the atrocities unfold and filled with humanitarian concern, Ms. Vautrin wasted no time in turning Ginling College into a refuge that at times harbored up to 10,000 women and children. She did everything she possibly could to prevent the invaders from entering the safe haven that the college campus provided, including helping organize the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone.
That safety zone provided shelter for over 200,000 people, mostly women and children, providing police protection and maintaining order. Ms. Vautrin's unparalleled selflessness and compassion brought relief and offered a glimmer of hope at a particularly dark time in history when it was so very desperately needed. By virtue of her deeds, she came to be known by city residents as the Goddess of Nanjing.
The horrors of war and her tireless work trying to save women and children eventually took their toll on Ms. Vautrin, who returned to the United States after suffering from an anxiety disorder. However, her legacy spread far and wide across China, and the empathy and benevolence that Ms. Vautrin showed to so many people have won her global recognition and a permanent place in our hearts.
The ROC government wishes to express its deepest respect and reverence for Ms. Vautrin, an international symbol of righteousness. Although she passed away 74 years ago, she continues to serve as a moral example to us all.
