[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MINNIE VAUTRIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Minnie Vautrin, an 
American woman and missionary whose heroism changed the course of 
history during World War II.
  Our country has seen countless acts of heroism in the face of war 
atrocities both in our country and abroad, Japan's violent occupation 
of then-capital Nanking, China, historically known as the Rape of 
Nanking, claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent Chinese 
men, women and children and left its mark on history as one of the most 
brutal massacres and crimes against humanity of the 20th Century. An 
estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians were killed, and an estimated 
20,000 women were raped, with some estimates as high as 80,000.
  Minnie Vautrin, a missionary who worked at a women's college in 
Nanking, courageously stood against the Japanese imperial army. A 
native of Illinois, she was one of the few Americans in the region when 
the Japanese army invaded Nanking.
  By using the American flag and proclamations issued by the American 
Embassy in China maintaining the college a sanctuary, Minnie helped 
repel incursions into the college, where thousands of women and 
children sought protection from the Japanese army. She often risked her 
own life to defend the lives of thousands of Chinese civilians.
  Her devotion during this horrific event earned her the nickname 
``American Goddess of Mercy'' among the people of Nanking, where she is 
fondly remembered. Her heroic actions and unparalleled efforts to save 
lives deserve to be recognized. Sadly, her story is relatively unknown.
  That is why I, along with 14 of my colleagues, am introducing a 
resolution honoring her sacrifice, courage, humanity, and commitment to 
peace and justice during the violent Rape of Nanking. Minnie Vautrin's 
story defines patriotism and heroism in the midst of war, and the 
introduction of this resolution honors her achievements today, the 
120th anniversary of her birth.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues for joining me in honor of this 
phenomenal yet unsung heroine. To the thousands of innocent men, women 
and children whose lives were spared because of Minnie Vautrin's bold 
courage, she will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________