At the end of May 2024, David Hankin, Steven Hankin, and Moriah LeFebvre took a long flight from the United States to China, bringing the precious artifacts and historical materials related to the Nanjing Massacre. They are the descendants of Charles Riggs (Chinese name: Lin Chali), a member of the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone. In Nanjing, they met with Charles Riggs's great-grandson Chris Hankin (Chinese name: Lin Kui), an international student at Nanjing University, and embarked on an extraordinary journey. 

 

Donating Historical Artifacts: On May 27, Charles Riggs's descendants donated 8 sets of precious artifacts and historical materials to the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. The donated items included a Blue Jade Medal, and this donation marked the first time the Memorial Hall had collected the medal. “The Memorial Hall is the best place to keep it, so that more people can learn about the history. It’s just exactly what Charles Riggs would want.” 

Exploring Nanjing: During their five days in Nanjing, they visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, Nanjing University, Nanjing Normal University, and John Rabe-Former Residence. “People like Charles Riggs and Minnie Vautrin stood up during that time to help protect Chinese refugees, and the Chinese people have always been grateful to them.” 

Reconnecting: A Chinese nursery song humming at the beginning of a short film created by Moriah, the stone camels at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum looking just the same as in the old photo, and the southern magnolia flowers representing endless vitality at Nanjing Normal University... Many corners of the city of Nanjing bear the imprints of the Charles Riggs family. “Following the old objects, we came to Nanjing. This time, we learned more about Charles Riggs and forged new connections.” 

“The stories of China-U.S. relations are written by our peoples. The future of China-U.S. relations will be created by our peoples.”