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Julyl 2013 Book.Pmd F E ATUR E Father and Son Remembering David B. Magee and his father Rev. John Magee By Walter Ko ew York Times March 16 2013 printed magazine printed the horrible pictures of the Rape of the obituary of David B. Magee (1926- Nanjing. After WWII, he went to the Tokyo International 2013). He was a friend of Chinese Tribunal to testify with his witness account for docket people. His father Rev. John Magee record. With this powerful story, I decided to encourage N (1884-1953) was an American hon- David to donate the camera and film back to Nanking to ored by Chinese people for his courage and for the film counter Japan’s denial of the Rape of Nanking. footage he had taken with his movie camera in De- Mr. Lou Reda has been an independent film producer. cember, 1937. We are truly indebted to both the fa- He made the documentaries of “Murder Under the Sun, ther and the son for what they have done. Japanese War Crimes and Trial” and “History At the Toronto, Canada Biennial Conference of Undercovered: The Rape of Nanking”. With Lou’s help, Global Alliance of Preserving the History of WW II in I established contact with David Magee and he agreed to Asia in 1998, I met Mr. David B. Magee. At the po- a personal donation trip back to Nanking. In December dium, he spoke in standard Mandarin Chinese: “I am 2001, I visited David at his home in Rye, New York. He Ma Tai Wai, I am NankingChinese! Not showed this family treasure saying that a foreign devil”. His father, Rev. John he would not exchange it for a million Magee had been in China for Christian dollars. I was excited to hold this signifi- missionary work for many years. On De- cant and important historical item. Af- cember 13, 1937, the invading Japanese ter returning, I contacted the City Gov- Army attacked and captured Nanking. ernment of Nanjing, China for arrange- Rev. Magee was the Chairman of Interna- ment. tional Red Cross Committee and a com- After sixty some years, Reverand mittee member of the Nanking Interna- Magee’s missionary church had been tional Safety Zone. Ignoring the warning renamed the 12th High School in from American Government, he decided Nanjing. I made the recommendation of to remain in the city along with other for- changing it to “John Magee Memorial eigners. He risked his life in documenting High School”. However, I got the an- with his Bell & Howell 16 mm movie cam- swer that changing into a foreign name era the war crimes and atrocities commit- needs to submit the proposal to Central ted by the invading Japanese army in burn- David B. Magee Education Department and the chance ing, slaughtering, raping and looting, thus (1926-2013) of approval was remote. I made another creating a “living hell” out of Nanjing. suggestion of honoring with the school This film of bloody deeds done by the Japanese library. During that period of time, president Sherwin army was iron-clad evidence and eye-witness proof of Liou of the St Louis Alliance of Preserving the Truth of the Rape of Nanking. Included in the 105 minutes of Sino-Japanese War (SLAPTSJW) and I helped arrange for documentary were the blood-soaked bodies with 37 editor Ding Bond Ji of Nanjing Daily to visit David bayonet stabs of Ms. Lee Xiuying and Xia Shuqin Magee. The citizens of Nanjing were excited whose entire family was killed. to learn about Rev. John Magee who had helped the In addition, there were many scenes of necks refugees during Rape of Nanking in 1937 and his son being chopped, killings after rapes, and refugees being burned. David in the US who wished to make his donation at this Rev. John Magee successfully smuggled the film out time. of China and eventually brought it to America. Later Life On October 1, 2002, accompanied by the members of the Alliance in Memory of Victims of Nanjing Mas- iting the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Mas- sacre, Mr. and Mrs. David and Frances Magee came sacre by Japanese Invaders, “I feel strongly on the back to the ancient city of Ginling, the ancient name pain, the loss and suffering of Nanking citizens. It of Nanking (Nanjing). At 10 AM the following day in makes me love and care for Nanking more. I am proud the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massa- of the nobleness and courage of my father and am cre by Japanese Invaders, Curator honored to donate our family treasure. I will in this Zhu Cheng Shan accepted the donation as it was the life to return and repay my indebtedness to the citi- only movie camera to capture the horror. The two zens of Nanking who nurtured me for ten years!” women survivors in the film came up and held tightly David brought back fond memories back to America David’s hand in tears thanking David’s father Rev. but left his heart and love in Nanking. With the Magee for saving their lives. It was a moving moment. leadership of president Sherwin Liou of St Louis In the morning of 3rd, David returned to his child- APTSJW, we endeavored between U.S. and hood home, Tao Sheng Church where he had spent Nanjing, China to accomplish this important ten years. At that time, it was his father’s church and it mission of great historic significance. would be dedicated as “John Magee Memorial Library”. The father and son Magees have made an impor- Hundreds of students and teach- tant chapter of history. Rev. John ers and officials welcomed with Magee courageously helped save thunderous applause to the off- the citizens of Nanking and risked spring of the founder across the his life in documenting the Rape ocean. The school was founded of Nanking atrocities committed by Rev. Magee as “Enrich Wisdom by the invading army of Japan. He Primary School” to educate poor went to the Tokyo International kids in the neighborhood. The li- Tribunal to testify as witness in brary at that time was the main order to expose their shameful and chapel of the church. Now it was horrible atrocities. For many years, restored in a tradition Chinese way. David made presentations and In cutting the red silk ribbon, commented in New York Times David spoke in excitement and against Japanese denial. For hu- tears: “My father will take this manity, peace and justice, truth of honor in heaven!” After the cer- Rev. John Magee (1884-1953) history, he came to visit and do- emony, he visited his father’s of- nated his family treasure for the sur- fice, bedroom and his brothers’ bedroom. The hall- vivors and victims of Rape of Nanking. It was a mean- way had been the shelter for women and girls during ingful commemoration. Chinese people will never for- the Rape of Nanking. The house tour brought back get their dedication, contribution and American friend- his childhood memory. ship. With eye witness account, ironclad proof and Ms Shum Chung Wai, David’s next blood soaked record , it is irrefutable for Japan to white- door playmate before 1937, came over wash, distort and deny the Rape of Nanking. This would for a reunion. David enthusiastically held her be a strong fight against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s hand and introduced her to Frances: “She was statement of “Tokyo Trial is Victor’s justice”. my first girl friend, and you are my last girl friend!” This is a commemoration on Rev. John Magee and This Chinese-American innocent childhood friend- Mr. David Magee. May they rest in peace; may their spir- ship was long and strong. David was satisfied to see its live forever. that his old home and the Drum Tower Hospital were ### well preserved and maintained. He was touched by Walter Ko grew up in Hong Kong and came to the U.S. in the good tradition of hospitality, goodwill and friend- 1973. He was a graduate of University of Missouri at ship of Nanjing citizens. Rolla and Central Missouri State University. He is a Board Before heading back to America, he said, after vis- member of Chinese American Forum (CAF). See NAM E INDE X for Names in Chinese on Inside Back Cover 9 10 CHINES E AMERICA N FORU M — Volume XXIX, No. 1 — July 2013 .
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