The heroic act of Danish citizen Bernhard Arp Sindberg, who risked his life to save tens of thousands of Chinese civilians during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937, is one of many deeds being remembered ahead of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
His niece Marianne Stenvig Andersen shared her uncle's remarkable story and the profound friendship between the peoples of China and Denmark.
From December 1937 to March 1938, the 26-year-old Sindberg set up a refugee camp and hospital near the Jiangnan Cement Plant, providing shelter and medical aid to nearly 20,000 Chinese refugees. He also documented Japanese war crimes through photographs and letters, revealing the truth of the Nanjing Massacre to the world.
President Xi Jinping once highlighted the stories of China's international friends like Sindberg who protected Chinese people during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre in east China during World War II, and stated, "The Chinese people will never forget their humanitarian spirit and fearless deeds."
For Anderson, the words the Chinese leader were a profound comfort.
"I feel deeply honored the way that President Xi Jinping is honoring my uncle's legacy, President Xi Jinping's words, for him to recognize my uncle's courage and humanitarian spirit means a great deal not only to the family but also to me, and also to the memory of all those who try to help during the tragic time. What my uncle did in Nanjing came from a sense of compassion and conscience, and to know that President Xi Jinping said the Chinese people will never forget is very moving. It shows that the bond between my uncle and the Chinese people lives on across generations," she said.
Sindberg left Nanjing in March 1938, later settling in California, where he died in 1983. Yet in China, his legacy endured. In 1938, the Shanghai municipal government awarded him a medal, and a year later, grateful civilians presented him with a silk banner embroidered with the words 'acting bravely for a just cause.'
The hero's niece has visited China many times and said she highly anticipates the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, emphasizing that remembering history is essential to cherishing and safeguarding peace.
"Looking forward to September 3 in Beijing where we are going to commemorate that it is 80 years ago that we ended the World War II in combined efforts. And we did defeat the world of fascism. It will not only honor history, but also send a strong message to the world about China's firm commitment to peace. It's an important moment for remembrance and also sharing China's vision of a peaceful future with the international community," said Andersen.
"History has taught us that war only brings destruction along, while peace is bringing peace and prosperity to the world. Only by working together can nations prevent tragedies from repeating itself. China's call to build a community with a shared future for Mankind is more than an idea, it's also a guide to action. It urges us to rise above divisions, to place the future of humanity first, and to work jointly for peace and development," she said.
Currently, a statue of Sindberg stands in the Marselisborg Memorial Park in Aarhus, Denmark, symbolizing how his courage and compassion continue to be remembered.
Courage and friendship of Danish hero Bernhard Arp Sindberg not forgotten
